Spatially Resolving the Black Hole Event Horizon: (sub)mm VLBI of SgrA* and M87

Northeast Radio Observatory Corp, Westford MA

Investigators

Abstract

The goal of this project is to use the Event Horizon telescope, a network of millimeter-wave antennas distributed throughout the world, to image the environs of SgrA*, the site of the black hole at the center of the Milky Way galaxy. The awardees will conduct a broad program of scientific research that includes analyzing (sub)mm VLBI observations, simulating theoretical models on Schwarzschild Radius scales, and developing new software tools for VLBI analysis. Broader impacts of the work include training of undergraduate and graduate students, and outreach via high-school teacher hands-on experience and mentoring of pre-college students from under-represented groups.