STScI Preprint #1202

Accretion Disks in AGNs: UV and Optical Observations

A fundamental component of the Active Galactic Nuclei paradigm is an accretion disk. Yet, the nature of this accretion disk is not well understood. The optically thick, geometrically thin accretion disk has often been discussed in the literature. Here we discuss the key predictions of this model and summarize all the observational data connected with these predictions. Although the standard disk model is attractive for its theoretical simplicity, many of the key predictions from this model are in disagreement with observations.

Status:

Appeared in: The proceedings of Accretion Processes in Astrophysical Systems: Some Like it Hot p150-160.

Affiliations:

¹) Space Telescope Science Institute 3700 San Martin Drive Baltimore, MD 21218 USA