2025 Project Description

A spectrum is worth a thousand pictures: a spectroscopic investigation of black holes in massive dusty galaxies with JWST

Supervisors

Chian-Chou Chen (TC), Wei-Hao Wang
Find out more about supervisors on ASIAA website

Task Description and Goals

The stunning imagery of astronomical objects captivates both scientists and the general public, but astrophysicists often rely on spectroscopy to reveal the hidden physical and chemical properties of these objects—insights that images alone cannot provide.

Massive dusty star-forming galaxies (DSFGs) in the distant universe are among the most massive galaxies known, with stellar masses up to 50 times that of the Milky Way. These galaxies are intense sites of star formation, yet a fundamental question remains: do black holes play a significant role in their mass assembly history? Leveraging the unprecedented capabilities of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), this project will analyze spectroscopic data to investigate the ionizing conditions within these galaxies. By examining key emission lines, we will explore the potential influence of black holes, which often manifest as active galactic nuclei (AGN), in shaping these cosmic giants.

The student will first familiarize themselves with JWST data and spectroscopic analysis techniques, then develop algorithms for spectral line fitting and property extraction. Finally, they will analyze diagnostic flux ratios to determine whether AGN activity plays a significant role in the evolution of these massive galaxies.

Required Background

Basic knowledge of physics and mathematics.
Additional knowledge of cosmology and galaxies would be an asset.
Basic knowledge and skills of computer programing would be desirable.