KaVA and EAVN large program on two Supermassive Black Holes, Sgr A∗ and M87

  • Published : 2019.10.14

Abstract

Exploring the vicinity of super-massive black holes (SMBHs) is one of the frontiers in astrophysics. KaVA AGN Science WG has launched its Large Program in 2014 focusing on two SMBHs, Sgr A∗ and M87. They are selected based on their large apparent size. Sgr A∗ is the excellent laboratory for studying gas accretion process onto SMBH and M87 is well known as the best case for investigating plasma outflow ultimately driven by SMBH. For Sgr A∗, KaVA and EAVN provides superb UV-coverage on its emitting region and its scattering medium. In the case of M87, we have conducted high cadence dual-frequency (22and 43GHz )VLBI monitoring to clarify the global profile of the M87 jet velocity field and the spectral index map, which should reflect global structure of magnetic fields in the jet. From 2017, the AGN LP is recognized as multi-wavelength EHT project, conducting quasi-simultaneous coherent observations of M87 and Sgr A∗ with the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) during its campaign observation periods. AGN WG is reviewing and revising its LP to convert it to EAVN LP. We will briefly report our scientific results and future plan which includes even broader international collaboration, namely East-Asia to Italy Nearly Global (EATING) VLBI to reach higher angular resolution.

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