Galactic and Extragalactic Astrophysics

5.

Active Galactic Nuclei and Supermassive Black Holes

5.1.

Discovery and Types of AGN

5.1.1.

Historical Observations

5.1.1.1.

Early Radio Sources

5.1.1.2.

Optical Identification

5.1.2.

5.1.2.1.

Optical and Radio Properties

5.1.2.2.

High Redshift Quasars

5.1.2.3.

Luminosity Functions

5.1.3.

Seyfert Galaxies

5.1.3.1.

Type 1 and Type 2

5.1.3.2.

Spectral Characteristics

5.1.3.3.

Host Galaxy Properties

5.1.4.

5.1.4.1.

Radio Lobes and Jets

5.1.4.2.

Fanaroff-Riley Classification

5.1.4.3.

Extended Radio Structure

5.1.5.

5.1.5.1.

Spectral Features

5.1.5.2.

Prevalence in Local Universe

5.1.5.3.

Low-luminosity AGN

5.1.6.

5.1.6.1.

Variability and Polarization

5.1.6.2.

Orientation Effects

5.1.6.3.

Gamma-ray Emission

5.2.

The Central Engine

5.2.1.

Supermassive Black Holes

5.2.1.1.

Mass Measurement Techniques

5.2.1.1.1.

Stellar Dynamics

5.2.1.1.2.

5.2.1.1.3.

Reverberation Mapping

5.2.1.2.

Growth Mechanisms

5.2.1.2.1.

5.2.1.2.2.

5.2.2.

The Accretion Disk

5.2.2.1.

Structure and Emission Mechanisms

5.2.2.2.

Thermal and Non-thermal Radiation

5.2.2.3.

Shakura-Sunyaev Model

5.2.3.

The Broad Line Region

5.2.3.1.

Kinematics and Size

5.2.3.2.

Reverberation Mapping

5.2.3.3.

Photoionization Models

5.2.4.

The Narrow Line Region

5.2.4.1.

Ionization Mechanisms

5.2.4.2.

5.2.4.3.

Forbidden Line Emission

5.2.5.

The Obscuring Torus

5.2.5.1.

Dust and Gas Content

5.2.5.2.

Infrared Emission

5.2.5.3.

Clumpy vs. Smooth Models

5.3.

Relativistic Jets

5.3.1.

Launching Mechanisms

5.3.1.1.

Magnetohydrodynamic Processes

5.3.1.2.

Black Hole Spin

5.3.1.3.

Blandford-Znajek Mechanism

5.3.2.

Collimation and Propagation

5.3.2.1.

5.3.2.2.

Interaction with Environment

5.3.2.3.

5.3.3.

Synchrotron Radiation

5.3.3.1.

Emission Processes

5.3.3.2.

Spectral Energy Distribution

5.3.3.3.

5.3.4.

Jet-ISM Interactions

5.3.4.1.

5.3.4.2.

Cavity Formation

5.4.

The AGN Unification Model

5.4.1.

Orientation-Based Explanation of AGN Types

5.4.1.1.

Type 1 vs. Type 2 AGN

5.4.1.2.

Role of the Torus

5.4.1.3.

Viewing Angle Effects

5.4.2.

Observational Tests

5.4.2.1.

Polarization Studies

5.4.2.2.

Infrared Observations

5.5.

SMBH Demographics and Scaling Relations

5.5.1.

The M-sigma Relation

5.5.1.1.

Black Hole Mass vs. Velocity Dispersion

5.5.1.2.

Observational Evidence

5.5.1.3.

Theoretical Implications

5.5.2.

Black Hole Mass-Bulge Mass Relation

5.5.2.1.

Co-evolutionary Scenarios

5.5.2.2.

Scatter and Outliers

5.5.3.

Black Hole Occupation Fraction

5.5.3.1.

Frequency in Different Galaxy Types

5.6.

Co-evolution of Galaxies and SMBHs

5.6.1.

AGN Feedback on Host Galaxies

5.6.1.1.

Star Formation Suppression

5.6.1.2.

Outflows and Winds

5.6.1.3.

Maintenance Mode vs. Quasar Mode

5.6.2.

5.6.2.1.

Gas Inflow Mechanisms

5.6.2.2.

Role of Mergers and Bars

5.6.2.3.

Secular Processes

5.6.3.

5.6.3.1.

Environmental Factors

5.6.3.2.

Galaxy Interactions

Previous

4. Galaxy Formation and Evolution

Go to top

Next

6. Large-Scale Structure of the Universe