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SUMMARY:Decoding black hole variability - Phil Uttley (University of South
 ampton\, University of Amsterdam)
DTSTART:20111124T163000Z
DTEND:20111124T173000Z
UID:TALK32545@talks.cam.ac.uk
CONTACT:George Becker
DESCRIPTION:The time-variable emission from quasars provided some of the e
 arliest evidence that the central engines of these objects were extremely 
 compact\, based on simple light-crossing time arguments.  Since then\, var
 iability has been studied extensively in accreting black hole systems acro
 ss the mass scale\, from X-ray binary systems (XRBs) to Active Galactic Nu
 clei (AGN)\, but its physical interpretation has proved difficult.  Recent
  years have seen a breakthrough in our understanding of black hole variabi
 lity\, thanks to the combined study of XRB and AGN variability\, new multi
 wavelength monitoring campaigns and most recently the combination of X-ray
  spectral and timing information using new analysis techniques.  I will de
 scribe these developments to show that the flux variability is driven by v
 ariations in the mass accretion flow on to the black hole.  The fastest va
 riations in both XRBs and AGN show the imprint of X-ray reverberation\, du
 e to the light travel-time from the continuum emitting region to the inner
  accretion disc\, which reflects and reprocesses the continuum.  I will sh
 ow how we can use the information contained in the variable light curves t
 o map the emitting regions closest to the black hole. 
LOCATION:Sackler Lecture Theatre\, IoA (tea at 4:00 pm)
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