Investigating the Parameters Driving Black Hole-Galaxy Co-evolution

In this research project, we study supermassive black holes that reside in the center of galaxies. More specifically, we explore the self-regulatory nature of these black holes as well as their relationship with their host galaxies. Simulations are utilized to study these cosmic entities, as they allow us to investigate the implications of different physical mechanisms in galaxy evolution. We use Cosmology and Astrophysics with MachinE Learning Simulations (CAMELS) to identify the astrophysical parameters that drive the black hole-galaxy coevolution. Building on our earlier results based on the SIMBA simulation, which established broad correlations with black hole and stellar mass, CAMELS lets us systematically vary stellar feedback and Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN) feedback parameters, which provides a more detailed exploration of their impact in black hole-galaxy co-evolution. We identify two complementary regulatory channels: (1) host-galaxy regulation, where stellar-feedback driven winds affect the central black hole’s accretion supply, and (2) black-hole self-regulation, where jet feedback affects further growth and therefore reduces the overall impact of AGN feedback. Our analysis reveals a clear self-regulatory signature in the jet-mode parameters as well as strong host-galaxy regulation with the galactic wind parameters. These findings emphasize the intertwined roles of stellar and AGN feedback in shaping supermassive black hole growth. Future work will extend this parameter study to other simulations and earlier times in cosmic history.