NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2013A-0002
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NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2013A-0002 |
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PI: Vardha Nicola Bennert, California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo, vbennert@calpoly.edu
Address: 1 Grand Ave, San Luis Obispo, CA 93407, USA
CoI: Tommaso Treu, UC Santa Barbara
CoI: Michael McDonald, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Astrophysics)
CoI: Stephane Courteau, Queen's University
CoI: Matthew W. Auger, University of Cambridge
Title: Exploring the Origin of the BH Mass Scaling Relations
Abstract:
The discovery of close correlations between supermassive BHs and their
host-galaxy properties has sparked a flood of observational studies
pertaining both to the local Universe and cosmic history. Nevertheless, a
clear understanding of their origin and fundamental drivers still eludes us.
While studying the evolution of these relations provides valuable clues, a
definitive resolution of this conundrum relies on understanding slope and
scatter of local relations for AGNs. Current BH mass scaling relation studies
suffer from the paucity of deep high-resolution imaging needed for the
detailed decomposition of host-galaxy components. As a remedy, we propose
dust-free NIRI imaging of a well-defined sample of 84 local Seyfert-1
galaxies, spanning a wide range of morphologies and masses. Combined with our
accurate spatially-resolved kinematics from Keck spectra, we will construct a
most complete baseline of host-galaxy properties over the entire range of BH
mass scaling relations. The frequency and strength of pseudo-bulges and
(minor) mergers will constrain the dominant growth mechanism of spheroids.
This will complete an unprecedented study of the BH mass scaling relations
and their origin.
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 > 2013A-0002 |
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