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Astrophysics/Supermassive black holes

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Expert: - 3/6/2009


Question
Philip,
My understanding of current theory is that supermassive black holes stop "feeding" because the energy surrounding them eventually pushes away the surrounding material.
Can this phenomenon not be explained by the fact that it (the hole) simply consumes all of the material (currently) available to it?
Just wondering.
Paul

Answer
Hello,

Be aware that most of what you read about exotic astrophysical objects is not even on the level of theory yet (by which I mean it has passed falsification tests, and offered new predictions which have been confirmed). What they really amount to is *interpretations* based on some current data.

I don't think this will be improved upon until telescopes arrive with a larger collection area (larger even than the Hubble) and providing better spatial resolution.

So, until then, I would say that your interpretation of why supermassive BHs "stop" is as good as the other one circulating. (Which again, I refer to as "current interpretation" as opposed to current "theory")

Hope this clarifies.

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Philip A. Stahl

Expertise

I specialize in stellar and solar astrophysics. Can answer any questions pertaining to these areas, the spectroscopic analysis of stars – as well as the magneto-hydrodynamics of sunspots and solar flares. Sorry – No homework problems done or research projects! I will provide hints on solutions.

Experience

Have published papers on the relationship between sunspot morphology and solar flares; discovery of SID flares related to this, constructed computerized stellar models; MHD research.

Organizations
American Astronomical Society (Solar physics and Dynamical astronomy divisions), American Geophysical Union, American Mathematical Society, Intertel.

Publications
Solar Physics, Journal of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, Journal of the Barbados Astronomical Society, Meudon Solar Flare Proceedings (Meudon, France). Books: 'Selected Analyses in Solar Flare Plasma Dynamics', 'Physics Notes for Advanced Level'.

Education/Credentials
B.A. degree in Astronomy; M.Phil. degree in Physics - specializing in solar physics.

Awards and Honors
Postgraduate research award- Barbados government; Studentship Award in Solar Physics - American Astronomical Society

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