What does "Type 1" mean?
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Type 1 active galactic nuclei (AGNs) are a category of supermassive black holes at the centers of galaxies that are very bright due to their active nature. They are distinguished by their strong broad emission lines in their light spectrum, which means they show more varied light output. This brightness is a result of gas and dust falling into the black hole, creating a lot of energy.
Characteristics of Type 1 AGNs
Type 1 AGNs can vary in brightness over time. When looking at their light patterns, researchers often find that they follow a specific trend, which is helpful in identifying them. These AGNs are generally found in galaxies that have a lot of star formation activity.
Importance of Type 1 AGNs
Studying Type 1 AGNs helps scientists learn more about how supermassive black holes and galaxies grow and change over time. They also provide insights into the conditions surrounding black holes, which is crucial for understanding the universe.