The evolution of high-redshift massive black holes

TL;DR

This paper reviews the formation and growth of massive black holes in the early universe, emphasizing their role in galaxy evolution and the importance of feedback mechanisms, with future observations poised to test theoretical models.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of the theoretical understanding of high-redshift MBH evolution and highlights the potential of upcoming observations to validate these models.

Findings

MBHs are integral to galaxy evolution.

Feedback mechanisms regulate MBH growth.

Future observations will test current models.

Abstract

Massive black holes (MBHs) are nowadays recognized as integral parts of galaxy evolution. Both the approximate proportionality between MBH and galaxy mass, and the expected importance of feedback from active MBHs in regulating star formation in their host galaxies point to a strong interplay between MBHs and galaxies. MBHs must form in the first galaxies and be fed by gas in these galaxies, with continuous or intermittent inflows that, at times, can be larger than the Eddington rate. Feedback from supernovae and from the MBHs themselves modulates the growth of the first MBHs. While current observational data only probe the most massive and luminous MBHs, the tip of the iceberg, we will soon be able to test theoretical models of MBH evolution on more "normal" MBHs: the MBHs that are indeed relevant in building the population that we observe in local galaxies, including our own Milky Way.