Plasma Physics Seminar ( Phys 769)

Dr. Chris Reynolds, Department of Astronomy, University of Maryland Black holes and the termination of galaxy formation Several independent lines of evidence are now pointing towards an amazing conclusion - that the formation of entire galaxies may be regulated and ultimately terminated by the relatively small black holes that inhabit their centers. Furthermore, unlike so many other aspects of cosmology, there are nearby examples of this black-hole induced feedback that can be studied in great detail. After briefly discussing the observational evidence that leads to this profound conclusion, I will discuss on-going observational and theoretical (simulation) projects aimed at understanding just how black holes can have such wide-ranging effects.