Multi-Wavelength and Multi-Messenger Studies with the next-generation Event Horizon Telescope

TL;DR

The paper discusses the capabilities of the next-generation Event Horizon Telescope (ngEHT) in advancing multi-wavelength and multi-messenger studies of supermassive black holes, highlighting its improved sensitivity, resolution, and monitoring for new scientific insights.

Contribution

It outlines the scientific potential and key research cases enabled by ngEHT's enhanced observational capabilities for SMBHs.

Findings

Enhanced resolution (<15 micro-arcseconds) will allow detailed SMBH imaging.

Increased sensitivity and uv-coverage will improve understanding of disk-jet physics.

Multi-wavelength and multi-messenger synergies will shed light on high-energy phenomena.

Abstract

The next-generation Event Horizon Telescope (ngEHT) will provide us with the best opportunity to investigate supermassive black holes (SMBHs) at the highest possible resolution and sensitivity. With respect to the existing Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) array, the ngEHT will provide increased sensitivity and uv-coverage with the addition of new stations, wider frequency coverage (from 86 GHz to 345 GHz and higher), finer resolution (<15 micro-arcseconds), and better monitoring capabilities. This will offer a unique opportunity to deeply investigate the physics around SMBHs, such as the disk-jet connection, the mechanisms responsible for high-energy photon and neutrino events, the role of magnetic fields in shaping relativistic jets, as well as the nature of binary SMBH systems. In this white paper we describe some ngEHT science cases in the context of multi-wavelength studies and synergies.