Andrew King (astrophysicist)

Andrew King is a British astrophysicist known for his research on black holes, accretion discs, and galaxy formation. He is a Professor of Theoretical Astrophysics at the University of Leicester, where he has made significant contributions to our understanding of supermassive black holes and their role in shaping galaxies.

King's research focuses on the theoretical aspects of accretion, specifically how matter spirals into black holes and releases energy. He has developed models to explain the observed properties of active galactic nuclei (AGN) and X-ray binaries, systems where a compact object (like a black hole or neutron star) accretes matter from a companion star.

One of King's significant contributions is his work on self-regulated black hole growth. His research suggests that the energy released by accreting black holes can regulate the growth of both the black hole itself and the host galaxy. This feedback mechanism plays a crucial role in the observed relationship between black hole mass and galaxy properties.

He has also investigated the role of tidal disruption events (TDEs), where a star is torn apart by the extreme gravity of a black hole, in revealing dormant black holes at the centers of galaxies. His work has helped to understand the dynamics and observable signatures of these events.

King is the author of numerous scientific publications and has received several awards and honors for his contributions to astrophysics. He is also actively involved in communicating science to the public.