ZIHUAGN Redemption: central kpc region

Scientific Rationale

The central kpc of Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN) represents one of the universe’s most dynamic and multifaceted regions, characterized by extreme physical conditions and a wide range of observable phenomena. This compact region houses the supermassive black hole (SMBH), the AGN engine, and it is the locus where gas, dust, and energetic particles interact under the influence of intense gravitational, electromagnetic, and magnetic fields. Understanding these interactions is essential to unraveling the mechanisms that govern accretion, feedback, and energy transfer on both small and large scales in galaxies, and it is key to comprehending the wide range of observed phenomenology.

Observations across the electromagnetic spectrum, from X-rays to radio wavelengths, reveal a complex interplay of emission processes within this region. High-energy X-ray and ultraviolet emissions primarily originate from the innermost parts of the accretion disk, the structure through which gas is accreted onto the SMBH, releasing vast amounts of electromagnetic and mechanical energy. Surrounding this disk is the broad line region (BLR), where high-velocity clouds emit Doppler-broadened spectral lines. Moving outward, we encounter the dusty torus, a geometrically thick structure that obscures and reprocesses radiation, emitting predominantly in the infrared. This torus may also connect to polar dust structures, which are thought to play a role in the outflow of material and impact galaxy-scale feedback mechanisms.

Radio and optical observations often reveal collimated jets, which transport enormous energy and momentum from the SMBH to the galactic outskirts, impacting star formation and potentially regulating the host galaxy’s evolution. The origins of these jets and their interactions with the surrounding medium are still intensely debated. Additionally, outflows of ionized gas, which are observed across various wavelengths, are often driven by the AGN and can significantly affect the interstellar medium of the host galaxy.

The detailed study of these components — accretion disk, BLR, dusty torus, jets, and outflows — and the processes of accretion, jet production, and feedback within the central kpc is key to understanding not only the AGN phenomenon but its connection with the evolution of AGN and their impact in galaxy evolution throughout mergers (dual and binary AGN). With this meeting, we aim to bring together all of these phenomenologies to present a holistic picture of one of the most energetic phenomena in the universe. Leveraging archive and future multi-wavelength observations and theoretical models, we aim to deepen our insights into the physical mechanisms and interdependencies within this region to deepen our understanding of AGN and its role in galaxy evolution.

With this relevant rationale, we invite you to join us in the “ZIHUAGN redemption: central kpc region” meeting in the wonderful town of Zihuatanejo from October 27 to 31. Zihuatanejo is a beautiful town in the Pacific Ocean “with no memory” where Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman went in The Shawshank Redemption. Beyond this famous movie, Zihuatanejo is a fishing town in Guerrero, among the Magical Towns promoted by Mexico for its cultural richness, historical relevance, beaches, cuisine, arts and crafts, and great hospitality. Note also that the conference is held right before “Día de los Muertos” (Day of the Dead) so participants staying longer can enjoy one of Mexico’s most wonderful pre-Hispanic traditions. It involves family and friends gathering to pay respects and remember friends and family members who have died. These celebrations can be humorous, as celebrants remember amusing events and anecdotes about the departed. Traditions connected with the holiday include honoring the deceased using calaveras and flowers known as cempazúchitl, building home altars called ofrendas with the favorite foods and beverages of the departed, and visiting graves with these items as gifts for the deceased.

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Second announcement (08/04/2025)

We are pleased to announce that the abstract submission for the ZIHUAGN Redemption: Central kpc Region meeting is now open! The conference will take place in the beautiful town of Zihuatanejo, México, from October 27 to 31, 2025.

You are now invited to submit your abstracts and contribute to what promises to be an exciting and fruitful meeting. Submissions are open until June 13. To pre-register and send your abstract, please follow this path: https://zihuagn.irya.unam.mx/register/  

Further details, including submission guidelines and key dates, can be found a https://zihuagn.irya.unam.mx/. 

Queries to zihuagn@irya.unam.mx

We look forward to your contributions and to welcoming you to Zihuatanejo!

Omaira González Martín, Irene Cruz-González, Erika Benítez Lizaola & Jacopo Fritz on behalf of the SOC and LOC.

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First announcement (18/02/2025):

We are hereby announcing the ZIHUAGN Redemption: Central kpc Region congress, which will take place in the beautiful town of Zihuatanejo, México, from October 27 to 31, 2025.

The central kiloparsec of Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN) is one of the most dynamic and complex regions in the universe, where extreme physical conditions shape the accretion, feedback, and energy transfer processes that influence galaxy evolution. This meeting will bring together researchers working on the key components of this region—accretion disks, broad line regions, dusty tori, jets, and outflows—through multi-wavelength observations and theoretical modeling. Our goal is to develop a comprehensive picture of the inner kpc region of AGN.

Zihuatanejo, a serene Pacific town, holds a special place in cinema history as the idyllic refuge where Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman’s characters reunite in The Shawshank Redemption. Beyond its cinematic charm, Zihuatanejo offers stunning beaches, rich culture, and warm hospitality—an inspiring setting for scientific exchange and collaboration.

Join us for an exciting and insightful meeting in a place that, much like the AGN central region, promises discovery and redemption.

This event is organized jointly by the Institute of Radioastronomy and Astrophysics and the Institute of Astronomy of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM)

Omaira Gonzalez Martin, Irene Cruz González, Erika Benítez Lizaola & Jacopo Fritz on behalf of the SOC and LOC.