Physics Colloquium: The next big gravitational wave discovery

Abstract: 

Nearly 100 mergers of compact binary objects have been observed since 2015, turning gravitational wave astronomy from the dream of a “niche” community, to a reality at the cutting edge of research. In 2017 the joint electromagnetic and gravitational-wave observation of a binary neutron star merger has opened the era of multi-messenger astronomy. More events like these are expected, at an ever increasing rate as the detectors’ sensitivity improves. But the gravitational wave sky is not just populated by transients. We expect there to be many sources constantly humming with nearly perfect pitch. So far these signals have eluded detection, but the hunt is on, and their discovery could well be the next big thing in gravitational wave astronomy. This is going to be the focus of my talk.

Event Organizer: Prof. Amiel Sternberg