Speaker: John Regan (Maynooth University)
Title: Prospects for understanding Massive Black Hole Formation in the Early Universe
Abstract:
Massive black holes exist at the heart of all massive galaxies above a certain mass scale. However, the origin of these central (super-)massive black holes remains unknown. Moreover, the existence of high-z quasars powered by (super-)massive black holes complicates and exacerbates the formation pathways. In this talk I will discuss the routes to massive black hole formation at high-z, focusing on mechanisms in which massive stars are the favoured progenitors. I will also introduce preliminary results of massive star formation in over dense environments which may prove to be a particularly good environment through which to probe massive black hole formation pathways.