Comparing indirect methods for black hole masses in AGN: the good, the bad, and the ugly

• DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2312.14098
• Publication Date: 2023-01-01
• Authors: M. Gliozzi; James K. Williams; A. Akylas; I. E. Papadakis; Onic I. Shuvo; A. Halavatkar; Andrew Alt
• Keywords: Sigma; Black hole (networking)

The black hole mass MBH is crucial in constraining the growth of supermassive BHs within their host galaxies. Since direct measurements with dynamical methods are restricted to a limited number nearly quiescent nearby galaxies and small minority active galactic nuclei (AGN), we must rely on indirect methods. In this work, utilize an unbiased, volume-limited, hard X-ray selected sample AGN compare reliability some commonly used methods, emphasising those that can be applied obscured AGN. Based subsample determined via our study suggests based techniques, such as scaling method one variability measured through excess variance, good agreement On other hand, M-sigma correlation inactive tends systematically overestimate MBH, regardless level obscuration. We provide correcting factor produces acceptable values quickly correct computed method. also derive alternative unbiased slope considerably shallower than ones obtained using galaxies, suggesting latter may not appropriate compute Finally, find no quick fix from fundamental plane activity, casting doubts