The M-Sigma Project
Abstract
There is an intimate link between supermassive black hole (SMBH) mass (M) and the stellar velocity dispersion (sigma) of the host bulge. This has a fundamental impact on our understanding of galaxy and SMBH formation and evolution. However, the scatter, slope and zero-point of the relation is a subject of some debate. For any progress to be made on this relation, the established values of M and sigma must be robust. Over 50% of current M estimates have been made using the technique of stellar dynamics. However, there is serious concern over this method that prompts their re-evaluation. In addition, it is not clear how best to define sigma. The aim of the M-Sigma Project is to use STIS long-slit spectroscopy, integral field spectroscopy and the latest stellar models, to best estimate the values of M and sigma in as many cases as possible. The project will determine the most appropriate properties of the M-Sigma relation itself.
Keywords
Cite
@article{arxiv.0811.0594,
title = {The M-Sigma Project},
author = {D. Batcheldor},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:0811.0594},
year = {2008}
}
Comments
4 pages, 2 figures. Contributed talk, "The Central Kiloparsec: AGN and Their Hosts." Ierapetra, Crete, 2008