The physical conditions and processes that occur in quasars (QSOs), active galaxies, supernovae, and X-ray binary stars will be investigated from an observational point of view, coupled with theoretical calculations. Much of the research will involve the development of sophisticated image processing data analysis techniques, as well as accurate numerical models of accretion disks and ionized gases. In some cases the methods may become applicable to many non- astronomical research areas. One of the main goals is to determine whether nearby galaxies are in any way related to luminous QSOs. It is generally believed that QSOs derive their energy from matter accreting onto supermassive black holes in the centers of galaxies. If so, it is likely that at least some local galaxies are "dead" QSOs, and therefore harbor such black holes in their nuclei. Similarly, the QSO phenomenon may occur at a low intrinsic level in some galaxies even if thy were not luminous QSOs in the past. High-quality optical spectra of the nuclei of 500 bright, nearby galaxies, observed during the past few years will be analyzed. After careful removal of the underlying stellar continuum and absorption lines, faint emission lines are usually visible. The study of supernovae (SNe) will also be carried out. A long series of photometric optical spectra of every bright SN accessible to northern telescopes will be used in statistical studies (progenitor stars, correlations with environment, etc.). Comparison with the predictions of theoretical models should shed light on the chemical composition and excitation mechanism of the expanding gas as well as on the nature of the stellar explosion. There will be an attempt to determine the physical characteristics of X-ray binaries, which often show interesting parallels with active galactic nuclei. One of the most important questions is whether the central object in SS 433 is a black hole or a neutron star. The nature of the accretion disk, and the mechanism by which it undergoes forced precession, are also outstanding problems that should be solved.
