Objetivo We address some of the major unsolved questions of galactic nuclei using methods of condensed matter physics. Galactic nuclei host a central supermassive black hole, a dense population of stars and compact objects, and in many cases a bright gaseous disk feeding the supermassive black hole. The observed stellar distribution exhibits both spherical and counterrotating disk-like structures. Existing theoretical models cannot convincingly explain the origin of the stellar disks. Is there also a “dark cusp” or “dark disk” of stellar mass black holes? Are there intermediate mass black holes in the Galactic center? We examine the statistical physics of galactic nuclei and their long term dynamical evolution. A star orbiting a supermassive black hole on an eccentric precessing orbit covers an axisymmetric annulus. The long-term gravitational interaction between such annuli is similar to the Coulomb interaction between axisymmetric molecules constituting a liquid crystal. We apply standard methods of condensed matter physics to examine these astrophysical systems. The observed disk and spherical structures represent isotropic-nematic phase transitions. We derive the phase space distribution and time-evolution of different stellar components including a population of black holes. Further, we investigate the interaction of a stellar cluster with a gaseous disk, if present. This leads to the formation of gaps, warps, and spiral waves in the disk, the redistribution of stellar objects, and possibly the formation of intermediate mass black holes. We explore the implications for electromagnetic and gravitational wave observatories. Dark disks of black holes could provide the most frequent source of gravitational waves for LIGO and VIRGO. These detectors will open a new window on the Universe; the proposed project will open a new field in gravitational wave astrophysics to interpret the sources. We also explore implications for electromagnetic observations. Ámbito científico natural sciencesphysical sciencescondensed matter physicsnatural sciencesphysical sciencesastronomyobservational astronomygravitational wavesnatural sciencesphysical sciencesastronomyastrophysicsblack holesnatural sciencesphysical sciencesastronomystellar astronomyengineering and technologymaterials engineeringliquid crystals Palabras clave black hole physics gravitational waves nonlinear dynamical systems Hamiltonian physics mean field theory active galactic nuclei accretion disks disordered systems quenched states Programa(s) H2020-EU.1.1. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European Research Council (ERC) Main Programme Tema(s) ERC-StG-2014 - ERC Starting Grant Convocatoria de propuestas ERC-2014-STG Consulte otros proyectos de esta convocatoria Régimen de financiación ERC-STG - Starting Grant Institución de acogida THE CHANCELLOR, MASTERS AND SCHOLARS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD Aportación neta de la UEn € 320 286,96 Dirección WELLINGTON SQUARE UNIVERSITY OFFICES OX1 2JD Oxford Reino Unido Ver en el mapa Región South East (England) Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Oxfordshire Tipo de actividad Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Enlaces Contactar con la organización Opens in new window Sitio web Opens in new window Participación en los programas de I+D de la UE Opens in new window Red de colaboración de HORIZON Opens in new window Coste total € 320 286,96 Beneficiarios (2) Ordenar alfabéticamente Ordenar por aportación neta de la UE Ampliar todo Contraer todo THE CHANCELLOR, MASTERS AND SCHOLARS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD Reino Unido Aportación neta de la UEn € 320 286,96 Dirección WELLINGTON SQUARE UNIVERSITY OFFICES OX1 2JD Oxford Ver en el mapa Región South East (England) Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Oxfordshire Tipo de actividad Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Enlaces Contactar con la organización Opens in new window Sitio web Opens in new window Participación en los programas de I+D de la UE Opens in new window Red de colaboración de HORIZON Opens in new window Coste total € 320 286,96 EOTVOS LORAND TUDOMANYEGYETEM Hungría Aportación neta de la UEn € 1 191 149,04 Dirección EGYETEM TER 1-3 1053 Budapest Ver en el mapa Región Közép-Magyarország Budapest Budapest Tipo de actividad Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Enlaces Contactar con la organización Opens in new window Sitio web Opens in new window Participación en los programas de I+D de la UE Opens in new window Red de colaboración de HORIZON Opens in new window Coste total € 1 191 149,04