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Tracing Black Holes Dynamics in AGN Disks

I am a Visiting Scientist at the American Museum of Natural History Department of Astrophysics. Alongside my colleague Andrea Mejía, I use the Pencil Code—a high order finite difference code for compressible fluid dynamics (CFD) with magnetic fields (MHD)—to simulate the migration of binary stellar-mass black holes and analyze their interactions within an Active Galactic Nucleus (AGN) disk. Together, we aim to uncover the mechanisms driving these extraordinary cosmic events.

I investigate how grid refinement influences the orbital dynamics of black holes and analyze torque evolution to better understand their migration within AGN disks. By comparing single and multi-orbiter simulations, I examine how black holes mutually affect each other’s migration, revealing AGN disks as dynamic environments where enhanced interactions and localized gas overdensities can lead to binary black hole formation.

These findings provide a compelling explanation for the elevated binary black hole merger rates observed by the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) as gravitational waves, predicted by Albert Einstein in 1916 in his General Theory of Relativity, and suggest that AGN disks are critical sources of gravitational wave events. Through this work, I aim to bridge the gap between theoretical models and observed phenomena, uncovering the intricate mechanisms that shape our universe.

This research is supervised by Dr. Mordecai-Mark Mac Low, Dr. Saavik Ford, Dr. Barry McKernan, Dr. Wladimir Lyra, and Dr. Jillian Bellovary.

This work will be submitted as a refereed paper to The Astrophysical Journal upon completion.

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Exploring Zeta (ζ) Aquilae with CHARA

In the summer of 2023, I collaborated with Dr. Jeremy Jones at Georgia State University to study Zeta Aquilae, a rapidly rotating star in the constellation Aquila, using data from the CHARA Array, an optical interferometer with six 1-meter telescopes. Located about 83 light-years away, Zeta Aquilae has a visual magnitude of 2.99.

I processed data from 15 nights of observations, calibrating and reducing it with CHARA’s Redfluor pipeline. This included 640 scans of 44 stars across 42 spectral types, alongside archival data from 2008 and additional visibility points from the literature.

The project refined Zeta Aquilae’s parameters and revealed significant discrepancies from earlier models, particularly in the inclination angle. These findings underscore the complexities of stellar modeling and the importance of integrating diverse methods, such as photo-polarimetry and near-infrared interferometry, to improve accuracy. This research provided deeper insights into the structure and orientation of rapidly rotating stars.

A Journey from Iraq to the Stars

I was born in Baghdad and raised in Al-Kut, Iraq. After surviving the 2003 war, I left my home and education behind, carrying my father’s dream of becoming a professor. When I arrived in the U.S. as a refugee in 2010, I decided to go back to school, choosing a STEM major and starting with mathematics and physics, determined to one day earn my PhD in astronomy.

Unlike many people inspired to become scientists, especially astronomers, by a planetarium visit, a magazine, or a TV show, I had none of that. Growing up in Iraq under economic sanctions, I didn’t have access to any materials that might have sparked a fascination with science. We had only two TV channels, and neither featured anything related to science or science fiction.


Discovering My Path to the Universe

After arriving in the U.S., a dinner conversation changed my life. The topic of the speed of light came up, and I learned just how fast it travels and how far away the stars are. At the time, I thought stars were just randomly shaped rocks that reflected sunlight—yes, I admit, I didn’t know anything about science or astronomy. But that conversation sparked my curiosity.

That night, I decided to learn more. I started looking up beginner astronomy lectures and stumbled upon one by Neil deGrasse Tyson. His brilliance in communicating science had a major effect on me. One lecture turned into another, and before I knew it, the sun was rising. Time had disappeared as I watched, completely captivated. In that moment, I realized this was my path, my destiny: to dedicate my life to understanding and serving the universe.

And I’m living my dream!

Connecting Earth and the Stars

I am passionate about public outreach and sharing my love for astronomy. I have delivered talks in Arabic and English on topics such as black holes and gravitational waves at events like the Afaq Society for Astronomy, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), and the Northeast Astronomy Forum and Space Expo (NEAF 2023).

I also organize my own lectures and workshops to make astronomy accessible to everyone. Hearing students say my talks inspired their love for astronomy or renewed their motivation for learning drives me to continue fostering meaningful connections through science communication.

I enjoy amateur photography, capturing images of the night sky (see photos in the Gallery). I also spend time horseback riding, a hobby I’ve loved for years, and have recently started learning to play the electric guitar, exploring a new and creative skill.

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