Modelling jets from binary black holes
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Hertfordshire
Department Name: School of Physics, Astronomy and Maths
Abstract
A prediction of the currently favoured hierarchical galaxy evolution
scenario is the presence of binary supermassive black holes in some
galactic nuclei. Their gravitational wave emission from in-spiral
before the final merger might be detectable with upcoming experiments.
If at least one of the black holes produces a jet, we might be able to
infer the presence of the secondary from a precession of the jet axis.
The interpretation of the relevant radio data is, however, complicated
by the interaction of the jet with its environment.
In this project, we will first derive precession parameters for a sample
of observed jets, then produce new simulations of the interaction of
precessing jets with their environment and finally compare the results to
the observational data in order to assess the presence of a secondary
supermassive black hole in the given sample of radio sources.
scenario is the presence of binary supermassive black holes in some
galactic nuclei. Their gravitational wave emission from in-spiral
before the final merger might be detectable with upcoming experiments.
If at least one of the black holes produces a jet, we might be able to
infer the presence of the secondary from a precession of the jet axis.
The interpretation of the relevant radio data is, however, complicated
by the interaction of the jet with its environment.
In this project, we will first derive precession parameters for a sample
of observed jets, then produce new simulations of the interaction of
precessing jets with their environment and finally compare the results to
the observational data in order to assess the presence of a secondary
supermassive black hole in the given sample of radio sources.
Organisations
Publications
Horton M
(2023)
New mechanisms for forming multiple hotspots in radio jets
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Horton M
(2020)
3D hydrodynamic simulations of large-scale precessing jets: radio morphology
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Krause M
(2020)
A Markov chain Monte Carlo approach for measurement of jet precession in radio-loud active galactic nuclei
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Maya Horton
(2022)
Jet precession in binary supermassive black holes
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ST/R504786/1 | 01/10/2017 | 31/01/2022 | |||
| 1957030 | Studentship | ST/R504786/1 | 01/10/2017 | 28/02/2021 | Maya Horton |
| Title | Science fiction poetry residency |
| Description | Delivered a week-long writing residency about crossovers between sciences and science fiction, particularly with regards to astronomy, black holes, and future scientific developments for a small group of writers and artists. |
| Type Of Art | Creative Writing |
| Year Produced | 2018 |
| Impact | Generation of ideas and techniques which could lead to the generation of new works for participants. |
| Title | WORLDS APART |
| Description | One-off participation in a group exhibition about scientific and artistic crossovers at Bayfordbury Observatory, Hertfordshire. I combined public domain astronomical images with my own mixed media output -- 3D modelling, 2D hydrodynamic-based paintings, textures and photography -- to mimic some of the landforms and phenomena that we observe elsewhere in our solar system. |
| Type Of Art | Artistic/Creative Exhibition |
| Year Produced | 2018 |
| Impact | Generation of a poster series which could be used in future exhibitions. |
| URL | https://mayahortonarts.com/portfolio/worlds-apart-where-we-could-meet/ |