Supermassive black holes in galactic nuclei

Citation

Young, Peter John (1979) Supermassive black holes in galactic nuclei. Dissertation (Ph.D.), California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/mcgd-jp70. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechETD:etd-09022008-144208

Abstract

The existence of supermassive black holes in galactic nuclei is investigated both theoretically and observationally. In addition the dynamics of flattened elliptical galaxies is examined observationally. Part I of the thesis deals with the theoretical distribution of a stellar population around a massive black hole in a galactic nucleus. Part II calculates the luminous energy output such a black hole could achieve by wreaking carnage among the stars in that nucleus. Part III is a photometric study of the radio galaxy M87 and concludes that this galaxy harbours some sort of massive object, if not a black hole. Part IV is a dynamical stud of the same galaxy M87 via spectroscopic measurements of the velocity dispersion as a function of radius. It comes to the same conclusion as in Part III. Part V is a study of the dynamics of the E5 galaxy NGC 4473 which is found to exhibit scant rotation.

Item Type:	Thesis (Dissertation (Ph.D.))
Degree Grantor:	California Institute of Technology
Division:	Physics, Mathematics and Astronomy
Major Option:	Astronomy
Thesis Availability:	Public (worldwide access)
Research Advisor(s):	Sargent, Wallace L. W.
Group:	Astronomy Department
Thesis Committee:	Unknown, Unknown
Defense Date:	10 July 1978
Record Number:	CaltechETD:etd-09022008-144208
Persistent URL:	https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechETD:etd-09022008-144208
DOI:	10.7907/mcgd-jp70
Default Usage Policy:	No commercial reproduction, distribution, display or performance rights in this work are provided.
ID Code:	3314
Collection:	CaltechTHESIS
Deposited By:	Imported from ETD-db
Deposited On:	09 Sep 2008
Last Modified:	16 Apr 2021 23:10

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