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Scientific paper
Jul 2000
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2000hst..prop.8591r&link_type=abstract
HST Proposal ID #8591
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Hst Proposal Id #8591 Galaxies
Scientific paper
Small nuclear black holes are the last major unexplored part of BH parameter space. We propose to search for the smallest BHs that HST can possibly find. Past studies have concentrated on massive, distant spheroids, overlooking many BH candidates on our own doorstep. The minimum detectable BH mass can be driven down by nearly two orders of magnitude by focusing on the nearest galaxies. We can easily reach down to 10^5 M{sun}, the probable mass of the ``first born'' objects that {in other cases} grow or merge up to the quasar mass range. This strategy also favors disklike ``pseudobulges'', which probably formed differently from classical spheroids and which therefore provide a fresh perspective on the relationship between BHs and their embryonic environments. Our complete sample of 20 nearby galaxies includes all unstudied objects within 7.5 Mpc, brighter than M_B = -17, with well defined, unobscured centers. STIS long-slit spectra will be used to measure BH masses using both gas and stellar kinematics, comparing the results whenever practical. Emission-line and broad-band images are sought to characterize the central morphology of gas and stars. Of prime importance is the maser galaxy NGC 4258, which provides a unique chance to calibrate both stellar- and gas- dynamical BH masses against the impressively accurate maser BH mass.
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