Gravitational Tango in the Hearts of Active Galaxies

Abstract

Galactic nuclei are dynamic factories of compact-object formation, evolution and mergers, imprinting gravitational-wave (GW) signals across current and future multi-messenger observatories (GW, electromagnetic and beyond). We will explore the evolution of stars and black holes embedded in accretion discs in active galactic nuclei (AGN), where mean-motion orbital resonances and gas torques facilitate binary formation and mergers. We derive an empirical fit for the merger probability across disc conditions and black-hole masses, and map the AGN luminosity regimes where GW merger events are expected to originate. Together, these results illustrate how gravitational dynamics in AGN shape the compact-object population, and how upcoming multi-messenger surveys may uncover their origins.

Zoom: https://tau-ac-il.zoom.us/j/87185167411?pwd=FpTUyIgXaOturzOFSetA6pPVYQilen.1