Physics
Scientific paper
Aug 2006
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2006noao.prop..254l&link_type=abstract
NOAO Proposal ID #2006B-0254
Physics
Scientific paper
We propose to obtain high spatial-resolution NIR spectra of the centers of brightest cluster galaxies to detect and ``weigh'' their nuclear black holes. Black holes have not yet been searched for in such high-mass galaxies; the required spatial resolution and sensitivity is only now becoming available via the introduction of AO-fed spectrographs on 10m class telescopes. Predicted black hole masses, M_&sun;, from the M_&sun;-σ versus M_&sun;-L (luminosity) relationship conflict strongly in this galaxy mass range. The ``core-scouring'' model for the origin of the large cores of the BCG seen in HST imagery favor the higher M_&sun; predicted from the M_&sun;-L relationship. If so, the present epoch mass density of black holes with M_&sun;> 10^9M_&sun; may be one to two orders of magnitude higher than that estimated from the M_&sun;-σ relationship. The three target galaxies all have M_&sun;≳2×10^9M_&sun; predicted from the M_&sun;-L relationship. The observations proposed may substantially boost the number of black holes observed in this mass range, and indicate which relationship, M_&sun;-σ or M_&sun;- L, better predicts M_&sun; for the most massive galaxies.
Faber Sandra M.
Gebhardt Karl
Lauer Tod R.
Richstone Doug
Tremaine Scott
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