On the comparison of AGN with GRMHD simulations: I. Sgr A*

Abstract

ABSTRACT We present models of Galactic Centre emission in the vicinity of Sagittarius A* that use parametrizations of the electron temperature or energy density. These models include those inspired by two-temperature general relativistic magnetohydrodynamic (GRMHD) simulations as well as jet-motivated prescriptions generalizing equipartition of particle and magnetic energies. From these models, we calculate spectra and images and classify them according to their distinct observational features. Some models produce morphological and spectral features, e.g. image sizes, the sub-mm bump, and low-frequency spectral slope compatible with observations. Models with spectra consistent with observations produce the most compact images, with the most prominent, asymmetric photon rings. Limb-brightened outflows are also visible in many models. Of all the models we consider, that which represents the current data the best is one in which electrons are relativistically hot when magnetic pressure is larger than the thermal pressure, but cold (i.e. negligibly contributing to the emission) otherwise. This work is part of a series also applying the ‘observing’ simulations methodology to near-horizon regions of supermassive black holes in M87 and 3C 279.