Black holes are not just exotic mathematical constructs, but key components of the observable Universe. Over the last two decades, thanks to detailed observational studies and state-of-the-art numerical simulations, the importance of black holes for a deeper understanding of structure formation has been established. Many questions, however, remain unanswered, in large part due the fact that active phases of black hole growth are very rare (thus requiring large datasets to be revealed) and the associated energy release operates on scales difficult to resolve in simulations and observations alike. Fortunately, the 2020s’ can be seen as a ‘golden era’ of large astronomical surveys, with ground-breaking observatories and experiments coming online in this decade.
The main objective of this MIAPbP program is to capitalize on the plethora of new and upcoming wide-area and deep surveys of the sky at different wavelengths (from radio to X-rays) to discuss and critically examine how they will contribute to change our understanding of black hole astrophysics and of the role of black holes in the broader picture of galaxy formation and evolution. In periods of rapid expansion, when new probes and datasets appear at an increasing rate, it is important to think of ‘refocusing’ exercises, when communities are brought together to learn from each other how to navigate the emerging scientific landscapes.
This ‘refocusing’ is the goal of our proposed workshop for the field of black holes astrophysics.
We invite both observers, who design and exploit astrophysical survey experiments with cutting edge new instruments, and theorists, experts in the physical processes governing the growth of black holes and the formation and evolution of galaxies in a cosmological context. We propose a program centered around four major science topics and explicitly devised to overcome communications and jargon barriers between different communities of astrophysicists.
