The Formation and Evolution of Massive Black Holes

TL;DR

This paper reviews the current understanding of the formation and evolution of massive black holes over cosmic history, emphasizing their role in galaxy evolution and early universe activity.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive summary of recent ideas on how massive black holes form and grow within galaxies from the early universe to the present.

Findings

MBHs are central to galaxy evolution.

MBHs existed within the first few hundred million years after the Big Bang.

Current models explain MBH growth through cosmic time.

Abstract

The past 10 years have witnessed a change of perspective in the way astrophysicists think about massive black holes (MBHs), which are now considered to have a major role in the evolution of galaxies. This appreciation was driven by the realization that black holes of millions solar masses and above reside in the center of most galaxies, including the Milky Way. MBHs also powered active galactic nuclei known to exist just a few hundred million years after the Big Bang. Here, I summarize the current ideas on the evolution of MBHs through cosmic history, from their formation about 13 billion years ago to their growth within their host galaxies.