Dartmouth Events

Physics & Astronomy - Senior Honor Thesis - Nathalie Korhonen Cuestas, Dartmouth

Title: "Title: Measuring the shape of quasar broad emission lines to track the precession of a spiral arm"

5/8/2023
3 pm – 4 pm
Wilder 104 & Zoom
Intended Audience(s): Public
Categories: Lectures & Seminars, School of Arts and Sciences

Abstract: Quasars are the most luminous persistent sources in the universe. Their spectra contain broad emission lines at many wavelengths, including the Balmer series. The broad emission lines are produced in a region known as the broad-line region, and their behaviour -- especially their variability - allows us to probe this region and better understand quasar structure. Broad line variability is also used to identify binary supermassive black hole candidates, which hold significant implications for gravitational wave astronomy. One mechanism which can create variability in broad emission lines is the precession of a spiral arm in the quasar accretion disc. This thesis uses a simulated quasar broad line region to characterise the variability created by a spiral arm, and evaluates whether this variability can be accurately detected with optical spectroscopy in the presence of observational noise.

 

Advisor: Professor Ryan Hickox

Join Zoom Meeting
https://dartmouth.zoom.us/j/95062758188?pwd=UE9GM2JZaWZwb2ZrdGo5TzB3SW5vQT09

Meeting ID: 950 6275 8188
Email physics.department@dartmouth.edu for passcode

For more information, contact:
Tressena Manning
tressena.a.manning@dartmouth.edu
603-646-2854
Permanent URL to this event: https://physics.dartmouth.edu/events/event?event=70458

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