Probing the Physics of AGN: A Summary

Abstract

A summary critique is presented of the topics discussed at a workshop entitled ``Probing the Physics of Active Galactic Nuclei by Multi-wavelength Monitoring'' held at Goddard Space Flight Center 21-23 June 2000. Particular emphasis is placed on the larger astronomical context of research on active galactic nuclei. An important goal is to use multi-wavelength monitoring to produce ``engineering drawings'' of how gas flows in the vicinity of a black hole, as well is in the associated accretion disk inflows and jet outflows. Some of the clear choices that have to be made before formulating a model of a particular class of source are outlined. Future observational possibilities are briefly summarized.