Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN) are extremely bright and commonly variable cosmological objects that harbor in their center super massive black holes (SMBHs). My seminar aims to delve into the enigmatic realm of AGN using the extensive dataset provided by the Gaia DR3 mission. AGN, fueled by SMBHs, play a pivotal role in galaxy evolution, exerting feedback effects that shape their surroundings. According to hierarchical assembly models, galaxies and their associated SMBHs grow through mergers. Before the merger phase, binary SMBHs (BSMBHs) can form as galaxies come into proximity, with the potential for eventual coalescence. Additionally, mergers may result in recoiled SMBHs (KSMBH) due to the emission of gravitational waves, causing them to appear offset from the center of their host galaxies. Despite theoretical predictions, the number of detected BSMBH/KSMBH systems is approximately 20 in the kpc/pc distances. Our project aims to bridge this gap by employing advanced data analysis techniques to identify binary and recoiled SMBH systems within the Gaia dataset. With a primary focus on locating these systems, our seminar will showcase how I will characterize the systems when found.
Organized by: Catarina Cosme