TENSION-QSO

Quasi-stellar objects (QSOs or "quasars") are the most luminous AGNs and among the brightest objects in the Universe. They are powered by supermassive black holes (SMBHs) consuming surrounding material. From recent observations with NASA's JWST we know that SMBHs already existed during the very early stages of galaxy formation. While QSO-related feedback processes are key to understanding galaxy evolution and black hole growth across cosmic time, the exact mechanisms and their relative contribution remain debated.  The key to understanding how black holes grow are hidden in the centers of their host galaxies, which have been impossible to access. So far.

I lead a large legacy survey, aimed at creating the first spatially detailed map of ionized gas flows in QSOs to address crucial questions about SMBH growth: Starting in autumn 2024, ESO's Very Large Telescope will spend over 200 hours to observe nearby QSOs with the MUSE instrument mounted to UT4 (Yepun). Its unique capabilities will bring us closer to understanding how the quasar phase affects surrounding galaxies and which accretion mechanisms dominate in channeling gas to the galaxy centers. One thing is for sure: there are interesting years ahead for black hole research. If you want to know more, become part of the team or access the data, please reach out to me!