Abstract
The genesis of spheroids is central to our understanding of galaxy formation. They contain half of the stellar mass of the Universe, and almost all of the black hole mass. According to galaxy formation models, cluster ellipticals
form in high density regions through hierarchical merging of gas-rich subcomponents at early epochs. We have used X-ray absorbed QSOs at z 2-3 to signpost these regions, and found 2 proto-clusters of ultraluminous starburst
galaxies using submm observations. If these objects are to evolve into elliptical galaxies, they should contain growing massive black holes. These regions of
widespread collapse therefore represent a unique laboratory
within which we can study the complete sequence of early AGN evolution.
As part of a detailed multiwavelength ongoing programme,
we have used XMM-Newton and Spitzer to search for these buried AGN, and determine the evolutionary stage of the galaxies in the proto-clusters. Our
observations provide a powerful test for models of black hole growth in galaxy bulges.
form in high density regions through hierarchical merging of gas-rich subcomponents at early epochs. We have used X-ray absorbed QSOs at z 2-3 to signpost these regions, and found 2 proto-clusters of ultraluminous starburst
galaxies using submm observations. If these objects are to evolve into elliptical galaxies, they should contain growing massive black holes. These regions of
widespread collapse therefore represent a unique laboratory
within which we can study the complete sequence of early AGN evolution.
As part of a detailed multiwavelength ongoing programme,
we have used XMM-Newton and Spitzer to search for these buried AGN, and determine the evolutionary stage of the galaxies in the proto-clusters. Our
observations provide a powerful test for models of black hole growth in galaxy bulges.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | The X-ray Universe 2005 |
| Subtitle of host publication | Proceedings of 'The X-ray Universe 2005' |
| Editors | A.~Wilson |
| Publisher | European Space Agency (ESA) |
| Pages | 509-514 |
| Number of pages | 6 |
| Volume | 604 |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Jan 2006 |
Publication series
| Name | ESA Special Publication |
|---|---|
| Publisher | European Space Agency |
| Volume | 604 |