1: Hole Mass and Spin

Here is our preliminary outline of the Subtopics that should be reviewed and assessed in this Session.

We are seeking contributions from participants with {advocacy, refutations, new ideas, or lots of data}.

For each technique, the goals are to basically review the physics, assess the state of the art, quantify uncertainties where possible, and identify productive avenues for further observations, analysis, and theoretical studies.

Please volunteer for brief contributions and send us comments and any requests for additional topics.

thank you,

Session co-chairs:
Ron Remillard and Colin Norman
rr@space.mit.edu norman@stsci.edu

How do we Measure the Hole Mass and Spin Unambiguously?

Techniques to Constrain Mass and / or Spin in Black Holes:

1. Optical spectroscopy of companion star --> derive M(bh)
what are accuracy limits and systematic problems?

2. X-ray Spectroscopy (e.g. use of disk blackbody model, with
correction factors for scattering and gravity) --> track in M, a plane

3. X-ray Timing (high frequency QPOs in 3 black hole candidates)
model interpretations --> tracks in M, a plane
(Is it Lense Thirring precession? ... diskoseismic oscillations?
.... related inertial-accoustic oscillations in inner disk?
...last stable orbit itself?)

4. Multifrequency Spectral Models... searching for event horizons with ADAFs
Is this qualitative only?  what are the prospects for each accretion state?

5. Masses of Massive BHs at the Centers of Galaxies
Dynamics of the Galactic Center; surveys of Central Masses of Nearby Galaxies; 
Masers Dynamics; AGN spectral modeling; profiles of X-ray Fe Lines

6. Spin of the Black Holes of AGNs
Hints of Spin in Jets;  GR effects seen in Long Term Variability;
Can these ever pay off?