Study Level
Honours VRESSupervisors
 |
| Dr Michael Cowley |
Overview
The accretion of material onto a supermassive black hole (SMBH) is known to generate active galactic nuclei (AGN), which are among the most luminous objects in the Universe. Despite this, most AGN cannot be seen directly as they are often obscured by copious amounts of gas and dust. Given the critical link between AGN and the cosmic evolution of SMBHs, uncovering a complete census of AGN represents a critical challenge for astrophysicists.
In this project, you will investigate a broad range of multi-wavelength selection diagnostics that are currently being employed to identify obscured AGN. You will assess each diagnostic using data from numerous space and ground-based telescopes, before reporting on the reliability and completeness of each.
Research activities
As part of this research project, you will:
- cross-match multi-wavelength (radio, infrared, optical, UV, and X-ray) data
- implement various AGN selection diagnostics on the multi-wavelength data
- report on the reliability of each diagnostic by incorporating data visualisation principles.
Outcomes
Upon conclusion of this research, you’ll produce a detailed report on the reliability and completeness of numerous multi-wavelength AGN selection diagnostics. This research has the potential to lead high impact publications.
Skills and experience
The analysis and interpretation of the data will involve custom-designed data processing. Therefore, familiarity with a programming language, such as Python or IDL, is desirable.
Apply
Contact supervisors for more information