Graduate Course: AGA5727 – Active Galactic Nuclei

Lecturers: Rodrigo Nemmen & João E. Steiner

Credits: 2 (30 h)

Lectures

1. Introduction to the course
2. Basic AGN physics
3. The AGN zoo
4. SMBH mass measurements
5. AGN components and their spectra
6. Accretion physics
7. Jets
8. AGN feedback
9. SMBH-galaxy coevolution
10. Future

Slides covering most of the topics above.

Description

This graduate course gives a general overview of the Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN) phenomenon, from the immediate surroundings of the supermassive black hole (SMBH) to the host galaxies, including the co-evolution of SMBHs and galaxies, and the basic physics of extremely energetic phenomena such as accretion disks and jets.

Program

Historical overview • Basic physics • Observational picture: main components, types, unified model, AGN through the EM spectrum, variability • Physics of gas and dust • Central engine: Black holes and accretion physics • Outflows and jets • Host galaxies • Formation and evolution • Outstanding questions

References

• Netzer, H. Physics and Evolution of Active Galactic Nuclei. 2013, Cambridge University Press
• Beckmann, V., & Shrader, C. Active Galactic Nuclei. 2012, Wiley
• Several review articles and papers (i.e. Annual Review of Astronomy & Astrophysics, ApJ, MNRAS, A&A, Nature, Science)
• Blandford, R. D., Netzer, H. & Woltjer, L. Active Galactic Nuclei. Saas-Fee Advanced Course. 1990, Springer-Verlag
• Peterson, B. An Introduction to Active Galactic Nuclei. 1997, Cambridge University Press