The course focuses on studying our Galaxy's center as a unique laboratory for the physics and astrophysics of black holes. The learning outcomes include understanding the evidence for the existence of supermassive black holes, the use of speckle imaging and adaptive optics techniques, and the implications of high-resolution imaging on our understanding of galactic evolution. The course teaches skills such as interpreting measurements of stellar orbits, utilizing spectroscopy, and testing Einstein's General Theory of Relativity. The teaching method involves a presentation by Andrea M Ghez, discussing advancements in imaging technology and their impact on our knowledge of supermassive black holes. The intended audience includes individuals interested in astrophysics, black hole research, high-resolution imaging techniques, and galactic evolution.
Our Galactic Center - A Unique Laboratory for the Physics & Astrophysics of Black Holes
APS Physics via YouTube
Overview
Syllabus
Intro
Two Big Picture Perspectives
Several Advances Made Measurements of Stellar Orbits Possible
Introduced Spectroscopy
SO-2 Dominates our knowledge of the Central Potential
Provides Strongest Case for Existence of a Supermassive Black
SO-2 Offers Direct Test of General Relativity near a Super Massive Black Hole
SO-2 First Star to Go Through GC Periapse with Full Orbital Phase Coverage
SO-2 Went Through Closest Approach This Past Summer
Understanding Systematics is Critical for this Precision Measurement
Another Potential Source of Systematics for Redshift is Hidden Companion
Galactic Center Has Taught us to Expect the Unexpected
G2 May be a Black Hole Driven Binary Star Merger
Can Stellar Binary Systems Explain our Other Unexpected Results?
Taught by
APS Physics
