Broad-Band Spectral Energy Distributions in AGNs - Advances and the Future

Building robust, broad-band spectral energy distributions (SEDs) requires a collective effort. In order to infer the various physical (thermal and non-thermal) processes occurring in the vicinity of supermassive black holes, i.e., their active galactic nuclei (AGNs), characterizing their SEDs is vital. We need to procure and analyze energies ranging from radio to gamma-rays in a consistent manner to truly gain insights into the processes at play. Broad-band AGN SEDs are indispensable, namely for evaluating the energy budget of the central engine, and are a key input to studying the physics of the line emitting gas in close proximity to the supermassive black hole and verifying their underlying theories, and utilize AGNs to study our Universe. We aim to evaluate recent developments in this area, the rise of SED fitting tools in the era of big data and synergies between existing and upcoming telescopes/instruments to achieve this goal.

We welcome submissions in the form of (1) Original Research, (2) Review, (3) Mini Review, (4) Hypothesis and Theory, (5) Perspective, (6) Data Report, (7) Brief Research Report, (8) Opinion, (9) Technology and Code, and (10) Study Protocol.