This project performs systematic measurement of physical properties and energetics in quasar-driven outflows using DESI DR1 spectroscopy. Through semi-automated spectral fitting and large-scale photoionization modeling, we create the first comprehensive catalog of outflow properties.
Scientific Questions
- Which quasar outflows are energetic enough to impact galaxy evolution?
- What fraction of quasars drive powerful outflows capable of quenching star formation?
- How far from the central black hole do these outflows extend?
- What are the mass outflow rates and their relationship to luminosity?
Methodology
- Targeted candidate selection from MgII absorber catalog
- Semi-automated spectral fitting with human-in-loop validation
- Large-scale Cloudy photoionization modeling
- Energetics derivation (distances, mass rates, kinetic luminosity)