Course content Course content
An overview of active galaxies
An overview of active galaxies

This free course is available to start right now. Review the full course description and key learning outcomes and create an account and enrol if you want a free statement of participation.

Free course

An overview of active galaxies

6 The key questions

Some of the most important issues which astronomers working in this field are currently trying to resolve are:

  • How and when did the supermassive black holes at the centres of galaxies form?

  • What role did the central black holes play in the formation of galaxies?

  • To what extent are the observed differences between AGN attributable to the orientation at which we view them?

  • What governs the evolution of individual AGN, and of the Universe's population of AGN?

  • Is there a link between AGN and star formation?

These points are covered in more detail in Block 4 of the Open University course, S381 The Energetic Universe, from which this course is taken.

S381_1
Print page

Take your learning further

Making the decision to study can be a big step, which is why you'll want a trusted University. The Open University has 50 years’ experience delivering flexible learning and 170,000 students are studying with us right now. Take a look at all Open University courses.

If you are new to university level study, find out more about the types of qualifications we offer, including our entry level Access courses and Certificates.

Not ready for University study then browse over 900 free courses on OpenLearn and sign up to our newsletter to hear about new free courses as they are released.

Every year, thousands of students decide to study with The Open University. With over 120 qualifications, we’ve got the right course for you.

Request an Open University prospectus