Research Interests
Eric Agol is predominantly interested in theoretical studies of compact objects, gravitational lensing, and extrasolar planets.
He and his collaborators have:
- modelled black hole accretion disks with the goal of explaining the spectra and variability of active galaxies, making predictions for viewing the shadow of the Galactic center black hole. Download model atmospheres here!
- developed a technique for imaging quasars on very fine scales using gravitational lensing.
- pointed out how to find isolated black holes and white dwarfs in binaries in our own galaxy using gravitational microlensing and X-ray surveys.
- made multi-wavelength observations of the gravitational lens known as the 'Einstein Cross'.
- made polarimetric and infrared measurements of a T-Tauri star which eclipses once every 48 days.
- developed computer code for modeling transiting extrasolar planets.
- proposed using timing of transits to search for low-mass planets. More recently he has been probing weather on extrasolar planets. by measuring the phases of extrasolar planets throughout their orbits using the Spitzer Space telescope. He used this data to create the first crude 'map' of extrasolar planet HD 189733 B.
- Here is a recent radio interview on KUOW. Look at Research to learn more.
Graduate students
Jason Steffen (now at Fermilab, hear him explain on NPR how to best board an airplane); Nicolas Cowan; Jason Dexter (physics), and Praveen Kundurthy.Contact
| Office: | B370 Physics and Astronomy Building |
| 3910 15th Avenue NE | |
| Seattle, WA 98105 | |
| Phone: | (206) 543-7106 |
| FAX: | (206) 685-0403 |
| Email: | agol AT astro.washington.edu |
| Mail: | Astronomy Department |
| Box 351580 | |
| University of Washington | |
| Seattle, WA 98195 |