Laboratory for Millimeter-Wave Astronomy
CARMA Seminar for 2008-02-25

With the recent discovery that virtually all local galaxies harbor massive nuclear black holes, there is now convincing evidence that active galactic nuclei (AGN) and normal galaxies in our local Universe are fundamentally connected. However, the nature of this connection and the detailed evolutionary history connecting these objects is unknown. Low Ionization Nuclear Emission Line Regions (LINERs), defined by their narrow optical emission lines of low ionizatation uncharacteristic of photoionization by normal stars, may constitute a vital piece of this puzzle, possibly representing the "missing link" between the powerful quintessential AGN in the Universe and galaxies such as our own. However, despite several decades of research, there are still open questions including what fraction of LINERs are truly AGN. Virtually all previous extensive multi-wavelength studies of LINER galaxies have been carried out on optically-selected samples. However, these studies systematically exclude the IR-bright population, which constitutes approximately 80% of all nearby LINERs. What is the ionization mechanism responsible for the emission line spectra in these objects? How do LINERs fit into the overall scheme of galaxies as we know it? What is the evolutionary connection between inactive star forming galaxies and AGNs? In this talk, I will summarize recent results from our ongoing infrared spectroscopic survey of LINERs.

The topics of the CARMA seminar include the solar system, star formation, the interstellar medium, galactic structure and galaxies. All are welcome to attend. Seminars will be limited to 1 hour including questions.

Special accommodations for individuals with disabilities can be made by calling (301) 405-3001. It would be appreciated if we are notified at least one week in advance.

PARKING ON CAMPUS:

Parking for visitors is available in the Cashier-Attended Parking Lot at the intersection of Paint Branch & Technology Drive. It is a 5-10 minute walk from the parking lot to the Computer & Space Sciences building.

There are a limited number of parking meters in Lot DD; there are no parking meters in Parking Garage 2. Parking at non-metered spaces in Lot DD and PG2 is free after 4 pm and on weekends.

More information is available from the Department of Campus Parking.

Department of Astronomy, University of Maryland College Park, MD 20742-2421 Phone: (301) 405-3001    FAX: (301) 314-9067 Comments and questions may be directed to webmaster@astro.umd.edu This page was automatically generated on: 15-Feb-2008.