Motivation
Over the last two decades our understanding of the physics of active galactic
nuclei (AGN) activity has largely improved. Still the energy source of
AGN is a matter of debate. Most models have priviledged the idea that the
energy source is gravitational and that the ultimate evolution of matter
into a supermassive black hole is the cornerstone for further theoretical
and observational investigations. On the other hand an alternative scenario
has been put forward to account for the activity of radio-quiet AGN.
Observationally the advent of new space missions has permitted to gather
new information from spectral regions that are crucial for the physical
processes originating in or near the nucleus of AGN. For instance, X-rays
and masers have revealed large rotational motions around what is apparently
a very large massive object, so centrally concentrated that the black hole
hypothesis seems to be an unavoidable possibility. On the other hand, ground
based and HST observations from the UV to the near-IR show that the continuum
observed in some Seyfert 2 galaxies is mainly generated by a young starburst
hence dominated by massive stars. Presently it is not only possible to
study AGN in many different spectral ranges thus providing a very comprehensive
picture, but also the gains in spectral and spatial resolution have permitted
to explore in great detail the very central regions of AGN and the links
with their host galaxies.
Future progress will come through combining data from innovative instrumentation
on large telescopes such as the VLT, and in the future the NGST, the Atacama
Large Millimeter Array (ALMA) and the Large Millimeter Telescope (LMT/GTM),
together with a theoretical framework which incorporates them into a coherent
description. It appears very important to see whether the two approaches:
the black hole paradigm and the starburst models can be linked together
or excluded in some instances. Our recent view of cosmic evolution over
the last 90% of time seems to indicate that AGN may play a role in galaxy
formation and evolution although a lot of work needs to be done both observationally
and theoretically in this domain
Scope
The goal is to gather a team of experts in the field to deliver a thorough
review of AGN phenomenology and physics, so as to cover the area and identify
the most pertinent outstanding unsolved problems in the starburst-AGN connection
problem. These Lectures are particularly dedicated to advanced students,
post-docs and researchers. After each lecture there will be ample room
for discussions.
Venue
The lectures will be held at the Institute campus at Tonantzintla, Puebla. |
