NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2007B-0203
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NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2007B-0203 |
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PI: Robert T. Zavala Jr., U.S. Naval Observatory, bzavala@nofs.navy.mil
Address: Flagstaff Station, 10391 W. Naval Observatory Rd., Flagstaff, AZ 86001, USA
CoI: Alison Peck, Harvard-Smithsonian CfA
CoI: Lindsey Pollack, UC Santa Cruz
CoI: Cristina Rodriguez, University of New Mexico
CoI: Roger Romani, Stanford University
CoI: Gregory Taylor, University of New Mexico
Title: Completing the picture: Deep imaging of the host galaxy of the closest pair of binary black holes
Abstract:
Using the VLBA, we have identified the radio galaxy 0402+379 as the
host of a pair of binary black holes separated by a projected distance
of just 7 parsecs. This makes 0402+379 the only black hole pair close
to the stage when gravitational radiation may be emitted. We have
developed a detailed picture of the source using radio observations, HET
spectra and archival ROSAT observations. Our present analysis is
hampered by the lack of a high resolution optical image. We propose a
one night observation of 0402+379, using WIYN and its superb seeing, to
produce high resolution, multi-color broad and narrow band images of
0402+379. Our two primary goals are to identify the nature of the host
galaxy and whether a nearby companion galaxy is interacting with
0402+379. With a modest allocation of WIYN time we can approximately
date the merger that produced the binary BH and perhaps identify a
subsequent merger that may overcome the ``last parsec'' problem in BH
mergers.
National Optical Astronomy Observatory, 950 North Cherry Avenue, P.O. Box 26732, Tucson, Arizona 85726, Phone: (520) 318-8000, Fax: (520) 318-8360
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NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2007B-0203 |
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