Astronomy Seminars

Title: The Connection Between Black Hole Growth and Major Galaxy Mergers
Abstract: A clear picture is forming, directly linking the most intense SMBH growth episodes (luminous Active Galactic Nuclei, or AGN) and major galaxy mergers. In this scenario, the more traditional AGN unification paradigm in which orientation is the main parameter only holds at lower luminosities. At the same time, for the more violent accretion events, originated by major mergers, we find evidence for an evolutionary sequence in which the AGN is first heavily obscured (Compton-thick) to reveal an unobscured quasar later.