Time variable processes of Sagittarius A*, the massive black hole at the centre of the Milky Way

Sagittarius A* (Sgr A*) is the variable radio, infrared (IR), and X-ray source associated with accretion onto  the massive black hole (MBH) at the center of the Milky Way. Its violent IR variability by up to a factor 30 on timescales as low as 10 minutes has been subject to multi-wavelength studies for more than a decade. It is generally accepted that the NIR and X-ray fluctuations are originating close to the event horizon, thus providing a rare window into the conditions and processes under strong gravity. I will present the most extensive analysis of the infrared variability of Sgr A* performed so far, including a new method for time series analysis and discuss our current understanding of the processes associated with accretion onto Sgr A*.

Date: 
22/11/2018 - 12:30
Speaker: 
Dr. Gunther Witzel
Filiation: 
Max-Planck-Institute for Radioastronomy, Bonn, Germany.


Seminars