Astrophysical Sciences and Technology Colloquium: Dr. Viraja Khatu
Astrophysical Sciences and Technology Colloquium
Mapping the Interiors of Gigantic Black Hole Systems
Dr. Viraja Khatu
Western University London Canada
We are viewing in person in 1125 Carlson Hall, but there is a Zoom Link for those unable to attend in person.
Abstract: In the hearts of massive galaxies live supermassive black holes (compact objects millions to billions of times the mass of our Sun). Some black holes actively accrete –called active galactic nuclei (AGN) –releasing tremendous energy in the form of light. Despite decades of efforts, we still do not have a clear picture of the structure and gas motions in AGN. Studying AGN is critical to answer a key question in AGN science, ‘How do supermassive black holes grow over cosmic time?’. In her talk, Dr. Khatu will cover how we use data from telescopes and simulations to map AGN interiors.
Speaker Bio: Dr. Viraja Khatu is a Postdoctoral Researcher at Western University in London, Canada. She studies how supermassive black holes grow by applying spectroscopy and time-domain techniques. She is a Co-Lead of the Supermassive Black Hole science team for CASTOR (Cosmological Advanced Survey Telescope for Optical and ultraviolet Research) –a Canada-led space mission proposed to the Canadian Space Agency.
Intended Audience: All are welcome. Those with interest in the topic.
To request an interpreter, please visit myaccess.rit.edu
Event Snapshot
When and Where
Who
Open to the Public
Interpreter Requested?
No