RUI: The Origin of the Black Hole Mass Scaling Relations

California Polytechnic State University Foundation, San Luis Obispo CA

Investigators

Abstract

The goal of this program is to use multiwavelength imaging and spectroscopy from ground-based telescopes and with Hubble Space Telescope to measure the M-sigma relation locally and at high redshift (z~1-2). This relation connects the mass (M) of the central black hole in galaxies to the velocity dispersion (sigma) of the stars in the galactic bulge, and allows an estimate of M from determination of sigma, the latter being a fairly easily measured quantity. This program will determine the scaling factor between the two quantities. Broader impacts of the work include training of undergraduate students, and outreach via workshops for local high school teachers in astrophysical research to be used in the classroom.