The Connection Between Star-Formation and Black Hole Growth

Background: Most, if not all, massive galaxies are found to contain supermassive black holes in their centers. The connection between the growth of those supermassive black holes and galaxies is one of the most challenging open questions in galaxy evolution. Since both galaxies and black holes grow by processing cold gas, their growth is believed to be linked. During an accretion event, black holes can accrete considerable gas masses over time periods much smaller than typical dynamical timescales of the galaxy. It is believed that strong disturbances to the galaxy’s gravitational potential are needed in order to initiate accretion. However, observational evidence has shown little evidence connecting accreting black holes to major disturbances in the galaxies they reside in. One of the complexities in understanding the onset of AGN activity is that disturbances in a galaxy (such as galaxy collisions) might drive gas to the central region, this process is known to provide an ideal environment for star formation. But it is unclear if these same processes also trigger the AGN activity once the gas is concentrated in the central region of the galaxy. It is therefore crucial to disentangle the fueling processes that drive gas to the center and cause star formation and the actual triggering. A combined view of the star formation properties and morphological tests identifying possible triggers is needed to determine the connection between star formation and black hole growth.

Details of the project: For this project, you will work on imaging data of galaxies hosting accreting suppressive black holes and combine this analysis with results from a novel technique to determine the star formation histories of galaxies hosting accreting black holes. This will allow you to study processes that drive star formation in and black hole accretion. You will be part of the new astrophysics group in Bath and participate in regular group meetings. For this project, you will also collaborate with scientists in St Andrews and Cambridge and internationally.

Applications: Applicants should have a background in the physical sciences and have or expect to gain a First or Upper Second Class UK Honours degree, or the equivalent from an overseas University. Studentship funding has been allocated by the University as part of the strategic decision to grow the Astrophysics Group.