Abstract:
Recent searches for massive black holes in galactic nuclei show that they are common if not ubiquitous. Furthermore, there are important relationships between black hole mass and properties characterizing the size and gravitational potential of the host galaxy bulge. To investigate these relationships we have begun an analysis of the bulges of Seyfert galaxies, a class of active galactic nucleus (AGN) in which gravitational energy is released through accretion onto the black hole, resulting in a luminous central source. Results for Seyfert galaxies in terms of their surface brightness profiles, overall luminosities and will be compared to those of normal galaxies. The goal is to further understand the process by which material is funneled to the galaxy centers, ultimately serving as a source of fuel for the active nucleus.
