Active galactic nuclei : Saas-Fee advanced courses 20 lecture notes, 1990, Swiss Society for Astrophysics and Astronomy

The Universe in which we live is unimaginably vast and ancient, with countless star systems, galaxies, and extraordinary phenomena such as black holes, dark matter, and gamma ray bursts. What phenomena remain mysteries, even to seasoned scientists? Our Universe is a fascinating collection of essays by some of the world's foremost astrophysicists. Some are theorists, some computational modelers, some observers, but all offer their insights into the most cutting-edge, difficult, and curious aspects of astrophysics. Compiled, the essays describe more than the latest techniques and findings. Each of the ten contributors offers a more personal perspective on their work, revealing what motivates them and how their careers and lives have been shaped by their desire to understand our universe. S. Alan Stern is Director of the Department of Space Studies at Southwest Research Institute in Boulder, Colorado. He is a planetary scientist and astrophysicist with both observational and theoretical interests. Stern is an avid pilot and a principal investigator in NASA's planetary research program, and he was selected to be a NASA space shuttle mission specialist finalist. He is the author of more than 100 papers and popular articles. His most recent book is Pluto & Charon (Wiley, 1997). Contributors: Dr. John Huchra, Harvard University Dr. Esther Hu, University of Hawaii, Honolulu Dr. John Mather, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Dr. Nick Gnedin, University of Colorado, Boulder Dr. Doug Richstone, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor Dr. Bohdan Paczynski, Princeton University, NJ Dr. Megan Donahue, Space Telescope Science Institute, Baltimore, MD Dr. Jerry Ostriker, Princeton University, New Jersey G. Bothun, University of Oregon, Eugene Contents: Phenomenology of active galactic nuclei / by L. Woltjer - AGN emission lines / by H. Netzer - Physical processes in active galactic nuclei / by R.D. Blandford The Swiss Society for Astrophysics and Astronomy organizes each year in the late winter or early spring an advanced course. The format of the school is always iden­ tical: three leading lecturers are invited to cover the subject in nine or ten lectures each and to deliver a written version of their lecture notes. Lectures are held in the morning and late afternoon, thus leaving ample time for discussion and skiing. These arrangements prove very convivial and lead to an excellent atmosphere in which to learn exciting new subjects and establish contacts with colleagues. A wide variety of people attend the school, including many young students, mostly from Europe, and some experienced researchers. The 20th Advanced Course of the Swiss Society for Astrophysics and Astronomy took place in Les Diablerets from 1 to 6 April 1990. It was devoted to observational and theoretical aspects of active galactic nuclei. The previous advanced courses of the Swiss Society for Astrophysics and Astronomy have regularly taken place in Saas-Fee, a small resort in the Swiss Alps, hence the name'Saas-Fee'used to de­ scribe the courses and lecture notes. In the last three years, however, the course was organized in Leysin and in Les Diablerets, both also situated in the Swiss Alps. Starting With This Volume, The Lecture Notes Of The Renowned Advanced Courses Of The Swiss Society For Astrophysics And Astronomy Will Be Published Annually. In Each Course, Three Extensive Lectures Given By Leading Experts In Their Respective Fields Cover Different And Essential Aspects Of The Subject. The 20th Course, Held At Les Diablerets In April 1990, Dealt With Current Research On Active Galactic Nuclei; It Represents The Most Up-to-date Views On The Subject, Presented With Particular Regard For Clarity. The Previous Courses Considered A Wide Variety Of Subjects, Beginning With Theory Of Stellar Athmospheres In 1971 And Ending With The Milky Way As A Galaxy In 1989. The Lecture Notes Of These Saas-fee Courses Appeared As Publications Of The Geneva Observatory, From Which They Can Still Be Ordered (chemin Des Maillettes 51, Ch-1290 Sauverny, Switzerland). Phenomenology Of Active Galactic Nuclei / By L. Woltjer -- Agn Emission Lines / By H. Netzer -- Physical Processes In Active Galactic Nuclei / By R.d. Blandford. R.d. Blandford, H. Netzer, L. Woltjer ; Edited By T.j.-l. Courvoisier And M. Mayor. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. The previous advanced courses of the Swiss Society for Astrophysics and Astronomy have regularly taken place in Saas-Fee, a small resort in the Swiss Alps, hence the name "Saas-Fee" used to de­ scribe the courses and lecture notes.