The Formation and Growth of the Earliest Supermassive Black Holes

Understanding how supermassive black holes (BHs) form and grow in the very early (z>6) Universe, when the first stars and galaxies were forming, is one of the major science aims of the Athena mission. The physical processes responsible for the initial formation of these BHs and their early growth via accretion - when they are seen as Active Galactic Nuclei (AGNs) - remain unclear. Large-scale optical/near-infrared imaging surveys have identified a few tens of luminous AGNs at z>6, powered by extremely massive BHs, and place vital constraints on the range of possible formation and growth mechanisms. To make further progress, however, we must identify lower luminosity and obscured AGNs at z>6, which represent the bulk of early BH growth. I will discuss recent measurements that trace the evolution of AGN population out to the highest possible redshifts (z~5-6) using the latest X-ray surveys with Chandra and XMM-Newton. However, Athena will provide the superb sensitivity over a wide field-of-view that is required to identify the earliest (z>6) growing BHs, trace their evolution within the early galaxy population, and determine the physical mechanisms that drive their formation and growth. Achieving these aims represents a major challenge that will push the capabilities of both Athena and supporting ground- and space-based observatories. I will present the prospects for a large Athena survey programme and discuss both the technical and scientific challenges that must be addressed in preparation for the Athena mission. <P /

Colloquy

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Alexander Ogilvie flying over Camber Sands

Alexander Ogilvie flying a Wright Model A Flyer over the beach at Camber Sands, Kent, England. This photograph is attributed to Topical Press, London England.https://corescholar.libraries.wright.edu/special_ms1_photographs/2076/thumbnail.jp

Leicester Poor Boys' and Girls' Camp at Mablethorpe

An appeal for money to send poor children from Leicester on holiday to Mablethorpe by the Leicester Poor Boys' and Girls' Summer Camp and Institute.An appeal for money to send deprived children from Leicester to Mablethorpe, Lincolnshire on the east coast, for a fortnight's holiday by the Leicester Poor Boys' and Girls' Summer Camp Institute. The film follows the children as they enter the Great Northern Railway Station in Leicester and depart on a steam train waving from the carriages. The mayor of Leicester Alderman J Chaplin and President of the Institute Sir Samuel Faire speak at the opening ceremony. Children are seen on the beach, in their living quarters, carrying milk, responding to a fire drill, learning about nature in an open air school as well as a Sunday service on the beach