Physics & Astronomy ETDs

Publication Date

Spring 5-16-2026

Abstract

Some of the brightest objects in the radio sky are jetted active galactic nuclei (AGN), supermassive black holes in the centers of galaxies that accelerate relativistic electrons into twin radio jets. One of the biggest questions surrounding AGN is how they produce radio jets in the first place. We search for an answer to this question by exploring a class of AGN that have uniquely well-constrained physical properties and are thought to be in an early stage of AGN development: compact symmetric objects (CSOs). Throughout our journey with these remarkable sources, we quantify their efficacy as calibrator sources for radio observations, greatly expand their numbers by uncovering new ones, and even constrain the mechanisms by which they may emit γ-rays.

Degree Name

Physics

Level of Degree

Doctoral

Department Name

Physics & Astronomy

First Committee Member (Chair)

Gregory Taylor

Second Committee Member

Ylva Pihlström

Third Committee Member

Frank Schinzel

Fourth Committee Member

Steven Tremblay

Language

English

Document Type

Dissertation

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