Massive black hole binaries
are predicted by hierarchical galaxy formation models, and galaxy
mergers are observed frequently in the Universe. The binary black
hole coalescence gives rise to strong gravitational wave
radiation. Detecting this radiation is the main goal of the Laser
Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA), and the ongoing gravitational
wave detection program based on pulsar timing (PTA). Recent
breakthroughs in numerical relativity have allowed us to
accurately simulate the merging process of binary black holes with
random masses and spin angular momenta. Mass and spin of the
merged black hole, the character of the formed gravitational
waves, and the recoil velocity sensitively depend on the initial
parameters of the binary system, which are in turn affected by the
astrophysical environment in which the merger occurs. How
efficiently the massive black hole binaries formed in galaxy
mergers actually coalesce, is determined by the interaction of
massive black hole binaries with the gaseous and stellar
environment in galactic nuclei. The black hole coalescence rate,
and their mass and spin evolution, in turn is a very important
parameter in the context of understanding galaxy formation and
evolution at the epoch of structure formation, the feedback of
black holes to the galaxy structure and activity in galactic
nuclei. Therefore, accurate modeling of the early phase of black
hole mergers, of the late phase of gravitational wave emission,
and of the electromagnetic signatures of binary black holes and
recoiling black holes are of great interest. Our workshop on
"Massive Black Hole Binaries and Their Coalescence in Galactic
Nuclei" aims at bringing together experts from the different
fields, linking simulations and observations. It will be held at
the newly founded Kavli Institute for Astronomy and Astrophysics
in Peking University (KIAA-PKU) in July 20-25, 2009. The number of
participants of the workshop will be limited to about 70. If the
number of applications exceeds the maximum number, participants
will be selected on a first come first serve basis.
The workshop will cover the following themes:
1. The
link of massive black hole binaries to the galaxy formation and
evolution.
2. The theory and numerical hydrodynamic simulations of
massive black hole binaries in gas-rich galactic nuclei.
3. The
theory and numerical computations on stellar dynamics of massive
black hole binaries in galactic nuclei.
4. The astrophysics of
massive black hole binaries.
5. The electromagnetic signatures of
binary black holes and recoiling lack holes and their effects on
the activities of active galactic nuclei and transient activities
of normal galactic nuclei, including the current observations of
massive black hole binaries and recoiling black holes.
6. Numerical simulations and approximation techniques of the mergers
of black hole binaries.
7. The detection of gravitational waves.
KIAA-PKU promotes basic research in China with the highest
international standards and carries out research on astronomy and
astrophysics. The KIAA buildings with traditional Chinese
architectural style is located inside the beautiful area of the
university campus, Langrunyuan near Weimins Lake which was a part
of the Old Summer Palace. The campus of Peking University at the
side of Yuanmingyuan is located in the Northwest part of Beijing
city and is only about 20 minutes walking distance from the Summer
Palace and only about 50 minutes from the Great Wall by car. It is
also very convenient for one to go from the university campus to
the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square. It is also very easy to
reach from Beijing Capital International airport. A total solar
eclipse will take place in central China on July 22, 2009, during
our workshop. However, we will neither arrange a trip to see
it, nor encourage participants to go individually.
First announcement in Chinese (pdf)
First announcement in English (pdf)
Peking
University (PKU), National Astronomical Observatory of China (NAOC), Shanghai
Astronomical Observatory (ShAO), Chinese national 973 program
"Cosmic Large-scale Structure and the Formation and Evolution of
Galaxies" , Chinese Astronomical Society (Series No. 409)
|
|
Invited reviews
Centrella, J. (NASA)
Jenet, F. (UTB)
Komossa, S. (MPE)
Liu, F.K. (PKU)
Magorrian, J. (U. Oxford)
Makino, J. (U. Tokyo)
Mayer, L. (U. Zurich)
Rezzolla, L. (AEI)
Sathyaprakash, B.S.(U. Cardiff)
Spurzem, R. (U. Heidelberg)
Valtonen, M.J. (Turku U.)
Yu, Q.J. (PKU)
Invited and
highlight talks
Amaro-Seoane, P. (AEI)
Berczik, P. (U. Heidelberg)
Berentzen, I. (U. Heidelberg)
Berti, E. (Ole Miss)
Colpi, M. (U. Milano Bicocca)
Cuadra, J. (SHAO/MPA)
Gopakumar, A. (TIFR)
Sesana, A. (PSU)
Sudou, H. (Gifu U.)
Zier, C. (MPIfR)
|
