"A Dynamical Picture of Nearby Galaxies and Their Supermassive Black Holes"

Abstract:

Dynamical modelling provides a powerful window to study the otherwise invisible components of galaxies, from dark matter halos to supermassive black holes. In the Milky Way, detailed astrometric and chemical measurements of individual stars have revolutionised our understanding of the Galactic structure, dynamics and history. For external galaxies, such detailed mapping of individual stars is impossible. But high-quality integral-field spectroscopy, combined with advanced dynamical models, allow us to reconstruct their assembly histories.

In this talk, I will show how Schwarzschild orbit-superposition modelling can be used to probe the dynamical evolution of nearby galaxies. I will present my supermassive black hole mass measurements for a sample of ~20 galaxies, alongside a detailed characterisation of their orbital structures, where we disentangle distinct components such as nuclear star clusters. I will also introduce my ongoing work on the massive fast- and slow-rotator galaxies in the ATLAS3D survey, highlighting first results.

I will conclude by looking ahead to the next frontier of dynamical modelling: pushing Schwarzschild techniques to higher redshift with upcoming extremely large telescopes, and exploring how these tools will help uncover the dark and colourful past of galaxies.