Predicted Eddington Flare from Blazar OJ 287 and the First Observational Test of the Black Hole No-Hair Theorem
Abstract
We propose to validate the celebrated no-hair theorem of black hole (BH) physics at 10% level with Spitzer observations of OJ 287. The binary BH central engine model for OJ 287, authenticated by detailed observational campaigns and theoretical investigations, predicts an impact flare on July 31, 2019, in the optical and within a day in the near-IR. Frequent monitoring of the expected flare should allow us to test for the first time a celebrated relation that uniquely connects the dimensionless quadrupole moment of a BH to its Kerr parameter. Spitzer is the only telescope that can monitor the expected impact flare because the blazar is very close to the Sun as seen from the Earth in July-August 2019. We also propose earlier multi-epoch Spitzer observations of OJ 287 to obtain the baseline behavior of the light curve under non-outburst conditions. These observations would establish Spitzer as a pioneering observatory for testing general relativity on the first centenary of Eddington's famous 1919 eclipse expedition for a similar purpose.
- Publication:
-
Spitzer Proposal
- Pub Date:
- October 2018
- Bibcode:
- 2018sptz.prop14206L