Computer Science
Scientific paper
Jul 2008
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2008hst..prop11571s&link_type=abstract
HST Proposal ID #11571. Cycle 17
Computer Science
Scientific paper
The rapid evolution of quasars indicates that supermassive black holes in galaxy nuclei spend most of their time in a relatively quiescent state. Studies of nearby galaxies demonstrate that many such black holes are accreting at a low rate, and appear as low-luminosity active galactic nuclei {LLAGNs}. Theoretical arguments suggest that the mode of accretion onto a central black hole may be very different in LLAGNs as compared to high-luminosity systems. The LINER NGC 4203 provides an excellent opportunity to investigate quantitatively the accretion process in a LLAGN, and hence the typical accretion state for a supermassive black hole. Cycle 7 STIS data acquired at one position angle reveal double-peaked H-alpha emission in the nucleus that may trace an accretion disk, and spatially resolved emission that places an upper limit on black-hole mass. We propose observations with STIS to map the two-dimensional velocity field of the circumnuclear gas disk in the central regions of NGC 4203, in order to measure the black-hole mass. This parameter is essential for testing theoretical models of accretion, determining the mass accretion rate, and estimating the radiative efficiency for accreted matter. The results will be important for making sense of LLAGNs, and for translating their measured luminosity into accretion rates that trace the growth of black holes. This is a resubmission of a proposal that was approved for 5 orbits in Cycle 13 {GO-10191} but never carried out due to the failure of STIS.;
No associations
LandOfFree
A Fundamental Test of Accretion Physics with NGC 4203 does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with A Fundamental Test of Accretion Physics with NGC 4203, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and A Fundamental Test of Accretion Physics with NGC 4203 will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1320195