The quasar-galaxy connection: outflow properties of luminous quasars
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Cambridge
Department Name: Institute of Astronomy
Abstract
Obtaining direct observational evidence that relates to the postulated physical link between central supermassive black holes and their host galaxies is one of the major goals of modern astrophysics. A key question is whether the outflowing material, that is associated with a large fraction of luminous quasars, escapes the gravitational potential of the central supermassive black hole and has a significant impact on the host galaxy. The PhD project will begin by considering the constraints on the properties of outflowing material associated with luminous quasars by combining evidence from a) broad absorption lines, b) narrow absorption lines and c) emitting material evident in the quasar spectral energy distribution. An initial goal will be to establish whether the outflow properties of luminous quasars are related to the physical parameters responsible for the accretion luminosity. The subsequent work plan for the PhD will depend on the results of the initial investigation and Amy Rankine's interests.
Organisations
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ST/R50466X/1 | 01/10/2017 | 30/09/2021 | |||
| 1952031 | Studentship | ST/R50466X/1 | 01/10/2017 | 30/04/2021 | Amy Rankine |
| Description | Cambridge Science Festival |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | The Institute of Astronomy opens its doors each year to the public to share the research that goes on in the department. Volunteers are requested to create and run activities throughout the day for a range of age groups. I created, along with two others, an Astronomy Guess Who aimed at 5-11 year olds where they have to work out which type of galaxy their opponent has chosen by asking questions about the shape and the colour of the galaxy. It is always a success with a few hundred people passing through each year. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018,2019 |
| URL | https://www.sciencefestival.cam.ac.uk |
| Description | Talk (Cambridge University Astronomical Society) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Undergraduate students |
| Results and Impact | I provided an overview of my research field followed by sharing my particular research with the audience. This sparked questions and a short discussion afterwards. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| URL | https://www.facebook.com/events/2596812880376133/ |
| Description | Talk (Ely Astronomy Club) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | I provided an overview of my research field followed by sharing my particular research with the audience. This sparked questions and a short discussion afterwards. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| Description | Talk (Girls in STEM) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | I shared the background of my research field with a group of girls interested in STEM subjects from schools in the region. The aim of this activity was to encourage and inspire school girls to continue their STEM education and consider university. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
| Description | Talk (Institute of Cambridge Open Evenings) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | I provided an overview of my research field followed by sharing my particular research with the audience. This sparked questions and a short discussion afterwards. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| URL | https://www.public.ast.cam.ac.uk/public-open-evenings-ioa |