In this paper we give a brief review of the astrophysics of active galactic nuclei (AGN). After a general introduction motivating the study of AGNs, we discuss our present understanding of the inner workings of the central engines, most likely accreting black holes with masses between 10 6 and 10 10 M . We highlight recent results concerning the jets (collimated outflows) of AGNs derived from X-ray observations (Chandra) of kpc-scale jets and γ-ray observations of AGNs (Fermi, Cherenkov telescopes) with jets closely aligned with the lines of sight (blazars), and discuss the interpretation of these observations. Subsequently, we summarize our knowledge about the cosmic history of AGN formation and evolution. We conclude with a description of upcoming observational opportunities.
MotivationActive galactic nuclei (AGNs) are galaxies that harbor supermassive black holes (SMBHs) of a few million to a few billion solar masses. Whereas it seems likely that all galaxies contain one or more supermassive black holes [1,2], the black holes in AGNs give rise to spectacular observational consequences because they accrete matter and convert the gravitational energy of the accreted matter (and possibly also the rotational energy of the black hole) into mechanical and electromagnetic energy. A few of the most salient motivations for the study of AGNs are: and statistical characterization. The study of AGNs in the nearby Universe shows that the diversity of AGNs can be understood as resulting from observing a smaller number of basic AGN types from different viewing angles (see Section 3.1).Accretion Physics: AGNs are powered by the accretion of magnetized plasma. Studies of AGN accretion flows complement studies of other accretion flows in astrophysics: accretion onto protostars and stars, accretion onto compact stellar remnants (neutron stars and stellar mass black holes), and the accretion that powers gamma-ray bursts. One goal of the studies of AGN accretion flows is to provide a physical explanation of the different types of AGNs and their states in terms of the nature of their accretion flows and environments (see Section 3.3).Role in Eco-Systems: AGNs play an important role for galactic and galaxy cluster eco-systems, i.e. their mechanical and electromagnetic power contributes to the heating of the interstellar and intracluster medium, and thus influences the star formation of the host systems (see Section 2.4).History through Cosmic Time: Deep radio, IR, optical and X-ray observations of AGNs have provided us with a wealth of information about the cosmic history of the formation and growth of supermassive black holes and the evolution of AGNs. Related areas of research are to clarify the role of AGNs in re-ionizing the intergalactic medium, and to explain the correlation between black hole masses and the properties of the host galaxy observed in the local Universe (see Sections 4 & 5).Fundamental Physics: On the most fundamental level, AGNs allow us to test the theory of general relativity (GR). GR's no-hair theor...