Imaging Science Seminar: Imaging the Unseen: Unraveling Jets and Accretion Flows in Supermassive Black Hole Binary Mergers with Advanced Simulations

Imaging Science Seminar
Imaging the Unseen: Unraveling Jets and Accretion Flows in Supermassive Black Hole Binary Mergers with Advanced Simulations
Dr. Manuela Campanelli
Distinguished Professor of Astrophysics, John Vouros Endowed Professor
Director of RIT’s Center for Computational Relativity and Gravitation
Rochester Institute of Technology
Event Details:
Supermassive black hole mergers represent a spectacular cosmic event with immense energy implications, emitting gravitational waves equivalent to the total light output of stars in the entire Universe within a brief timespan. These mergers play a crucial role in shaping the overall mass distribution of supermassive black holes across the cosmos. However, capturing visual evidence of these mergers remains elusive due to uncertainties surrounding the type of light emissions accompanying gravitational waves during these events. To address this challenge, novel General Relativistic Magnetohydrodynamics (GRMHD) simulations are being conducted to gain detailed insights into the astrophysical environments surrounding supermassive black hole binaries as they progress towards merger. By employing sophisticated computational techniques capable of accurately capturing the intricate dynamics of accretion within circumbinary disks and the relativistic flow of magnetized matter around each black hole, these simulations reveal the behavior of gas flows near binary systems, particularly when both black holes exhibit spin. These simulated scenarios provide critical data for predicting the electromagnetic and gravitational wave signatures produced by supermassive binary black holes, guiding future observational strategies utilizing advanced missions like LISA and other upcoming astronomical facilities. Ongoing initiatives are focused on refining computational tools to deepen our understanding of supermassive black hole behavior within binary systems and its interactions.
Bio:
Dr. Manuela Campanelli is the distinguished professor of astrophysics and John Vouros endowed professor at RIT. She is also the founding director of the Center for Computational Relativity and Gravitation (CCRG).
Intended Audience: All are Welcome!
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