Self-gravitating discs: what can we learn from the dynamics of maser spots ?
Abstract
Description
For a few nearby active nuclei, the disc orbiting the black hole is traced by water maser emission. By combining a simple model together with observed velocity profiles, we show that it is possible to put constraints on the black hole mass and on the distribution of matter (shape, density, size) in the outer disc. We then report possible parameters for the non-keplerian disc and for the black hole in NGC 1068, and mention an uncertainty of at least 25% on the central mass in NGC 4258.
4 pages, 2 figures, in "Active Galactic Nuclei: from Central Engine to Host Galaxy" ASP Conf. Ser., 2003, ed. S. Collin, F. Combes and I. Shlosman
4 pages, 2 figures, in "Active Galactic Nuclei: from Central Engine to Host Galaxy" ASP Conf. Ser., 2003, ed. S. Collin, F. Combes and I. Shlosman