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Published 1989 | Published
Book Section - Chapter Open

Quasar Evolution and the Growth of Black Holes in the Nuclei of Active Galaxies

Abstract

The observed evolutionary behavior of active galactic nuclei is compatible with a model in which black holes form in the nuclei of new-born galaxies and then grow at a rate limited by both radiation pressure and the supply of gas. Individual sources become more luminous with time as long as they are being fueled. However, the rapid decrease in the mean rate of supply of gas causes a strong decline in the space density of active objects. Nearby galaxies should harbor modest size (∼ 10^6 – 10^8 M⊙) black holes. It is suggested that the gas that fuels high redshift quasars is mostly derived from the host galaxy.

Additional Information

© 1989 by the IAU. I am indebted to A. Cavaliere, S. Phinney and M. Rees for constructive criticism of an earlier version of these ideas. Support under NSF grant AST86-15325 is gratefully acknowledged.

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Created:
August 19, 2023
Modified:
January 14, 2024