September 22-24, 2008

Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN) are at the forefront of astrophysical research. They represent natural laboratories to explore physics under extreme conditions, they form cosmic beacons which can be used to probe the early Universe and also signpost sites of intense galaxy and supermassive black-hole formation. Understanding AGN is therefore important for a wide range of applications, from elucidating how galaxies form and evolve, to constraining fundamental cosmological parameters and testing new physics.

The goal of the 2nd Astronomy School organised by the Institute of Astronomy and Astrophysics of the National Observatory is to provide a comprehensive review of the key recent developments in the study of AGN and to highlight open problems and challenges for the future.

The school is sponsored by the British Council, the Ministry of Education, the National Observatory of Athens in Greece, and the General Secretary of Research and Technology. Lectures will be presented by astrophysicists from both Greek and International Universities and Research Institutes. The school will take place at the facilities of the National Observatory of Athens at Pendeli.

Who should attend
The school will be limited to approximately 20 students at the graduate level with an interest in extragalactic Astronomy and AGN research. Keen undergraduates are encouraged to apply. All students must apply for participation via email to the organizing committee. Support for students outside Athens is available. Interested parties please contact the organising committee.

SCHEDULE
Monday 22 to Wednesday 24, September 2008. Lectures will run from 9:00-17:00. Topics covered:

• Accretion History of the Universe

• Massive Black Holes Across Cosmic Time

• The role of AGN in the evolution of galaxies

• Black Holes and their Environment

• Cosmology with AGN

• Multiwavelength properties of AGN

• AGN Radiation Processes

• Jet Dynamics

LOCATION

National Observatory of Athens,

Institute of Astronomy and Astrophysics,

I. Metaxa & V. Pavlou, Pendeli, Athens,

Seminar room "Aimilios Xarlaftis"