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Grant: Class Grant and Contribution Program to Support Research, Awareness and Learning in Space Science and Technology

Université de Montréal|Université de Montréal

$99,494.00

Mapping a Black Hole Accretion Flow with JWST/NIRSpec

FY 2024-25 · 2025-03-10

Summary
Observation of the gas kinematics within the sphere of influence of the black hole in NGC 4696, the central dominant galaxy of the Centaurus cluster of galaxies, using JWST’s NIRSpec IFU. Due to its proximity, recent deep high-spatialresolution HST images of NGC 4696 have, for the first time, revealed an intriguing swirl in the ionized gas that appears to lead directly to the black hole—providing a unique opportunity to understand black hole accretion processes and their relationship with galaxy scale. The objectives of the project include mapping the velocity structure of the swirl, comparing it with state-of-the-art MHD simulations, measuring the black hole's mass, examining Bondi accretion, probing radio jet interactions, and searching for hidden cooling flows.
Program
Class Grant and Contribution Program to Support Research, Awareness and Learning in Space Science and Technology
Location
Montreal|Montréal, Quebec, Canada
Recipient Type
Academia
Type
Grant
Source
Proactive Disclosure - Grants and Contributions

Amendments

Each version of the agreement as published, oldest first, with its total as of that version. The amount above is the latest.

AmendmentDateFiscal YearTotal
02025-03-102024-25$99,494.00
12025-03-102024-25$99,494.00

As published

Agreement End Date
2028-03-01
Agreement Number
24JWGO3A06
Agreement Start Date
2025-03-10
Agreement Title
Mapping a Black Hole Accretion Flow with JWST/NIRSpec
Agreement Title (French)
Cartographier un flux d’accrétion de trou noir avec JWST/NIRSpec
Agreement Type
Grant
Agreement Value
$99,494.00
Amendment Date
2026-08-18
Amendment Number
1
Description
Observation of the gas kinematics within the sphere of influence of the black hole in NGC 4696, the central dominant galaxy of the Centaurus cluster of galaxies, using JWST’s NIRSpec IFU. Due to its proximity, recent deep high-spatialresolution HST images of NGC 4696 have, for the first time, revealed an intriguing swirl in the ionized gas that appears to lead directly to the black hole—providing a unique opportunity to understand black hole accretion processes and their relationship with galaxy scale. The objectives of the project include mapping the velocity structure of the swirl, comparing it with state-of-the-art MHD simulations, measuring the black hole's mass, examining Bondi accretion, probing radio jet interactions, and searching for hidden cooling flows.
Description (French)
Observation de la cinématique du gaz dans la sphère d’influence du trou noir dans NGC 4696, la galaxie centrale dominante de l’amas de galaxies du Centaure, en utilisant l’IFU NIRSpec du JWST. En raison de sa proximité, les récentes images profondes et à haute résolution du HST de NGC 4696 ont, pour la première fois, révélé un tourbillon intrigant dans le gaz ionisé qui semble mener directement au trou noir, offrant ainsi une opportunité unique pour comprendre les processus d’accrétion des trous noirs et leur relation avec la galaxie. Les objectifs du projet incluent la cartographie de la structure de vitesse du tourbillon, la comparaison avec des simulations MHD de pointe, la mesure de la masse du trou noir, l'examen de l’accrétion de Bondi, l’analyse des interactions des jets radio et la recherche des flux de refroidissement cachés.
Expected Results
The Research component of the program provides financial support to organizations to conduct space related research and development in priority areas. It will support targeted knowledge development and innovation to sustain and enhance the Canadian capacity to use space to address national needs and priorities in the future.
Expected Results (French)
Le volet Recherche du programme offre aux organisations une aide financière qui leur permettra de mener leurs activités de recherche et développement spatiales dans des secteurs prioritaires. Ce volet appuiera le développement des connaissances et l’innovation dans les domaines ciblés de manière à soutenir et à accroître la capacité du Canada d’utiliser l’espace pour répondre aux besoins et aux priorités du pays dans le futur.
Organization Code
csa-asc
Organization
Canadian Space Agency | Agence spatiale canadienne
Program Name
Class Grant and Contribution Program to Support Research, Awareness and Learning in Space Science and Technology
Program Name (French)
Programme global de subventions et contributions à l'appui de la recherche, de la sensibilisation et de l'éducation en sciences et technologies spatiales
Program Purpose
This program supports knowledge development and innovation in the CSA's priority areas while increasing the awareness and participation of Canadians in space-related disciplines and activities. The Research Component aims to support the development of science and technology; foster the continual development of a critical mass of researchers and highly qualified people in Canada; and support information gathering and space-related studies and research pertaining to Canadian Space Agency priorities.
Program Purpose (French)
Ce programme appuie le développement des connaissances et l'innovation dans des domaines prioritaires de l'ASC et accroît la sensibilisation et la participation des Canadiens aux disciplines et aux activités liées à l'espace. Le volet Recherche vise à soutenir le développement des sciences et des technologies, à favoriser le développement continu d'une masse critique de chercheurs et de personnes hautement qualifiées au Canada, et à appuyer la collecte d'information, la recherche et les études relatives à l'espace en tenant compte des priorités de l'ASC.
Recipient City
Montreal|Montréal
Recipient Country
CA
Recipient Legal Name
Université de Montréal|Université de Montréal
Recipient Operating Name
Université de Montréal|Université de Montréal
Recipient Postal Code
H3C 3J7
Recipient Province or Territory
QC
Recipient Type
S
Reference Number
003-2024-2025-Q4-00017