A. Gopakumar (Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, India)

Blazar OJ287 and its nano-Hertz GW emitting massive BH binary central engine

Blazars are active galactic nuclei with strong jets. Theytend to exhibit dramatic and unpredictable flux variations, namely outbursts.Certain observed outbursts from an exceptional Blazar OJ287can be explained by invoking a massive black hole binary as its central engine.Detailed General Relativistic modeling allowed us to predict a majoroptical outburst during November 2015. The outburst did occur within the expected time range, peaking on 5/12/2015.A multi-wavelength observational campaign confirmed the occurrence of certain impact flare and the presence of a major thermal component in the flare, as predicted.These observations and subsequent analysis allowed us to establish the possible presence ofa spinning supermassive black hole binary that spirals in due to the emission ofnano-Hertz gravitational waves in the central engine of OJ287.I will briefly list our on-going efforts that should be interesting tothe Event Horizon Telescope Consortium and the International Pulsar Timing Array. [link]

Place: 1st meeting room, KIAA

Time: Thursday, Aug 22, 2019 - 12:00 to 13:00