The hierarchical assembly of galaxies and dynamics in galactic nuclei naturally predict a significant population of off-nuclear massive black holes (MBHs), yet direct observational evidence remains scarce. The demographics of these off-nuclear MBHs offer critical insights into the formation of MBH mergers, the nature of ultra-compact dwarf galaxies, and the co-evolution of MBHs and their host galaxies. Off-nuclear tidal disruption events (TDEs) provide a unique observational window into this elusive population. In this talk, I will present the discovery and properties of AT2024tvd, the first off-nuclear TDE identified through modern optical sky surveys. I will place AT2024tvd in context with previously known X-ray-selected off-nuclear TDEs and discuss its implications for intermediate-mass black holes. Finally, I will highlight the prospects for uncovering more such events with upcoming optical time-domain surveys, including LSST and LS4.
Host: Junjie Mao
