The High-Energy X-ray Probe (HEX-P): the circum-nuclear environment of growing supermassive black holes

• DOI: 10.3389/fspas.2024.1335459
• Publication Date: 2024-05-14T05:04:06Z
• Authors: P. G. Boorman; N. Torres-Albà; A. Annuar; S. Marchesi; R. W. Pfeifle; D. Stern; F. Civano; M. Baloković; J. Buchner; C. Ricci; D. M. Alexander; W. N. Brandt; M. Brightman; C. T. Chen; S. Creech; P. Gandhi; J. A. García; F. Harrison; R. Hickox; E. Kammoun; S. LaMassa; G. Lanzuisi; L. Marcotulli; K. Madsen; G. Matt; G. Matzeu; E. Nardini; J. M. Piotrowska; A. Pizzetti; S. Puccetti; D. Sicilian; R. Silver; D. J. Walton; D. R. Wilkins; X. Zhao
• Keywords: High energy

Ever since the discovery of first active galactic nuclei (AGN), substantial observational and theoretical effort has been invested into understanding how massive black holes have evolved across cosmic time. Circum-nuclear obscuration is now established as a crucial component, with almost every AGN observed known to display signatures some level in their X-ray spectra. However, despite more than six decades effort, open questions remain: does accretion power impact structure circum-nuclear obscurer? What are dynamical properties Can dense exist around intrinsically weak AGN? How many intermediate mass occupy centers dwarf galaxies? In this paper, we showcase number next-generation prospects attainable High-Energy Probe ( HEX-P 1 ) contribute toward solving these 2030s. The uniquely broad (0.2–80 keV) strictly simultaneous passband makes it ideally suited for studying temporal co-evolution between central engine obscurer. Improved sensitivities reduced background will enable development spectroscopic models complemented by current future multi-wavelength observations. We show that angular resolution both below above 10 keV confirmation accreting at low hole masses even when concealed thick obscuration. combination other observations dusty hearts nearby galaxies, be pivotal paving way complete picture growth galaxy co-evolution.