The Electromagnetic Counterpart of the Gravitational Wave Source GW170817

2017 ◽  
Vol 14 (S339) ◽  
pp. 56-60
Author(s):  
T.-W. Chen
Keyword(s):  
Neutron Star ◽  
Gravitational Wave ◽  
Near Infrared ◽  
Direct Evidence ◽  
Gamma Ray ◽  
Infrared Imaging ◽  
Wave Source ◽  
Strong Source ◽  
Process Elements

AbstractOn 17th August 2017 a strong source of gravitational waves was detected by the LIGO-Virgo collaboration. The signal lasted for 60 seconds, and the event was followed just 2 seconds later by a short burst of gamma-rays that was detected by Fermi and INTEGRAL. The gravitational-wave and gamma-ray source had consistent sky positions to within about 30 square degrees. Within 10 hours of the gravitational-wave source event, a fast fading optical and near-infrared counterpart was discovered, which was subsequently followed-up and studied intensively for several weeks and months by numerous facilities. This talk presented the results from our optical and near-infrared imaging and spectroscopic follow-up campaign of this unprecedented discovery, which was the first electromagnetic counterpart of a gravitational-wave source, the first identification of a neutron star–neutron star merger, and the first direct evidence of the source of r-process elements. It focussed on the results of the GROND and ePESSTO teams, showing that this remarkable transient truly opened up the era of multi-messenger astronomy.

Gravitational-wave astrophysics from neutron star inspiral and coalescence

2018 ◽  
Vol 27 (11) ◽  
pp. 1843018 ◽  
Author(s):  
John L. Friedman
Keyword(s):  
Neutron Star ◽  
Gravitational Wave ◽  
Gamma Ray ◽  
Hubble Constant ◽  
Gamma Ray Bursts ◽  
Nuclear Density ◽  
Independent Measurement ◽  
Process Elements ◽  
Heaviest Elements ◽  
Cold Matter

Prior to the observation of a double neutron star inspiral and merger, its possible implications were striking. Events whose light and gravitational waves are simultaneously detected could resolve the 50-year mystery of the origin of short gamma-ray bursts; they might provide strong evidence for (or against) mergers as the main source of half the heaviest elements (the [Formula: see text]-process elements); and they could give an independent measurement of the Hubble constant. The closest events can also address a primary goal of gravitational-wave astrophysics: From the imprint of tides on inspiral waveforms, one can find the radius and tidal distortion of the inspiraling stars and infer the behavior of cold matter above nuclear density. Remarkably, the first observation of the inspiral and coalescence of a double neutron star system was accompanied by a gamma-ray burst and then an array of electromagnetic counterparts, and the combined effort of the gravitational-wave and astronomy communities has led to dramatic advances along all of these anticipated avenues of multimessenger astrophysics.

scholarly journals Data-driven Expectations for Electromagnetic Counterpart Searches Based on LIGO/Virgo Public Alerts

2022 ◽  
Vol 924 (2) ◽  
pp. 54
Author(s):  
Polina Petrov ◽  
Leo P. Singer ◽  
Michael W. Coughlin ◽  
Vishwesh Kumar ◽  
Mouza Almualla ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Data Analysis ◽  
Neutron Star ◽  
Gravitational Wave ◽  
Gamma Ray ◽  
Data Driven ◽  
Wave Localization ◽  
Localization Accuracy ◽  
Binary Neutron Star ◽  
Data Release

Abstract Searches for electromagnetic counterparts of gravitational-wave signals have redoubled since the first detection in 2017 of a binary neutron star merger with a gamma-ray burst, optical/infrared kilonova, and panchromatic afterglow. Yet, one LIGO/Virgo observing run later, there has not yet been a second, secure identification of an electromagnetic counterpart. This is not surprising given that the localization uncertainties of events in LIGO and Virgo’s third observing run, O3, were much larger than predicted. We explain this by showing that improvements in data analysis that now allow LIGO/Virgo to detect weaker and hence more poorly localized events have increased the overall number of detections, of which well-localized, gold-plated events make up a smaller proportion overall. We present simulations of the next two LIGO/Virgo/KAGRA observing runs, O4 and O5, that are grounded in the statistics of O3 public alerts. To illustrate the significant impact that the updated predictions can have, we study the follow-up strategy for the Zwicky Transient Facility. Realistic and timely forecasting of gravitational-wave localization accuracy is paramount given the large commitments of telescope time and the need to prioritize which events are followed up. We include a data release of our simulated localizations as a public proposal planning resource for astronomers.

scholarly journals First Multimessenger Observations of a Neutron Star Merger

2021 ◽  
Vol 59 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Raffaella Margutti ◽  
Ryan Chornock
Keyword(s):  
Neutron Star ◽  
Gravitational Wave ◽  
Gravitational Waves ◽  
Near Infrared ◽  
Annual Review ◽  
Publication Date ◽  
Wave Source ◽  
Binary Neutron Star ◽  
Dense Nuclear Matter ◽  
R Process

We describe the first observations of the same celestial object with gravitational waves and light. ▪ GW170817 was the first detection of a neutron star merger with gravitational waves. ▪ The detection of a spatially coincident weak burst of gamma-rays (GRB 170817A) 1.7 s after the merger constituted the first electromagnetic detection of a gravitational wave source and established a connection between at least some cosmic short gamma-ray bursts (SGRBs) and binary neutron star mergers. ▪ A fast-evolving optical and near-infrared transient (AT 2017gfo) associated with the event can be interpreted as resulting from the ejection of ∼0.05 M⊙ of material enriched in r-process elements, finally establishing binary neutron star mergers as at least one source of r-process nucleosynthesis. ▪ Radio and X-ray observations revealed a long-rising source that peaked ∼[Formula: see text] after the merger. Combined with the apparent superluminal motion of the associated very long baseline interferometry source, these observations show that the merger produced a relativistic structured jet whose core was oriented ≈20 deg from the line of sight and with properties similar to SGRBs. The jet structure likely results from interaction between the jet and the merger ejecta. ▪ The electromagnetic and gravitational wave information can be combined to produce constraints on the expansion rate of the Universe and the equation of state of dense nuclear matter. These multimessenger endeavors will be a major emphasis for future work. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Astronomy and Astrophysics, Volume 59 is September 2021. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.

scholarly journals Neutron star mergers as sites of r-process nucleosynthesis and short gamma-ray bursts

2018 ◽  
Vol 27 (13) ◽  
pp. 1842005 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kenta Hotokezaka ◽  
Paz Beniamini ◽  
Tsvi Piran
Keyword(s):  
Neutron Star ◽  
Chemical Evolution ◽  
Near Infrared ◽  
Gamma Ray ◽  
Ultra Violet ◽  
Gamma Ray Bursts ◽  
Galactic Model ◽  
Multi Wavelength ◽  
R Process ◽  
Process Elements

Neutron star mergers have been long considered as promising sites of heavy [Formula: see text]-process nucleosynthesis. We overview the observational evidence supporting this scenario including: the total amount of [Formula: see text]-process elements in the galaxy, extreme metal-poor stars, geological radioactive elemental abundances, dwarf galaxies and short gamma-ray bursts (sGRBs). Recently, the advanced LIGO and Virgo observatories discovered a gravitational-wave signal of a neutron star merger, GW170817, as well as accompanying multi-wavelength electromagnetic (EM) counterparts. The ultra-violet, optical and near infrared (n/R) observations point to [Formula: see text]-process elements that have been synthesized in the merger ejecta. The rate and ejected mass inferred from GW170817 and the EM counterparts are consistent with other observations. We however, find that, within the simple one zone chemical evolution models (based on merger rates with reasonable delay time distributions as expected from evolutionary models, or from observations of sGRBs), it is difficult to reconcile the current observations of the Eu abundance history of galactic stars for [Fe/H] [Formula: see text]. This implies that to account for the role of mergers in the galactic chemical evolution, we need a galactic model with multiple populations that have different spatial distributions and/or varying formation rates.

scholarly journals Study of nucleosynthesis in neutron star merger with optical-infrared follow-up observations of gravitational wave sources

Impact ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 (5) ◽  
pp. 30-32
Author(s):  
Michitoshi Yoshida
Keyword(s):  
Neutron Star ◽  
Gravitational Wave ◽  
Gamma Ray ◽  
Astronomical Observatory ◽  
Gamma Ray Bursts ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Electro Magnetic ◽  
The Universe

Professor Michitoshi Yoshida, who is based at Subaru Telescope of National Astronomical Observatory of Japan, is a lead scientist with J-GEM (the Japanese Collaboration for Gravitational- Wave Electro-Magnetic Follow-up) and throughout the course of his career in galactic study, has become increasingly interested in the active phenomena of the universe, such as gamma ray bursts (GRB). J-GEM is embarking on a research approach called multi-messenger astronomy, this method is based on the coordination between classical electromagnetic astronomy, new GW astronomy and particle astronomy, and is opening new opportunities for humans to investigate the Universe.

scholarly journals The first six months of the Advanced LIGO’s and Advanced Virgo’s third observing run with GRANDMA

2019 ◽  
Vol 492 (3) ◽  
pp. 3904-3927 ◽  
Author(s):  
S Antier ◽  
S Agayeva ◽  
V Aivazyan ◽  
S Alishov ◽  
E Arbouch ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neutron Star ◽  
Gravitational Wave ◽  
Gamma Ray ◽  
Spatial Localization ◽  
Gamma Ray Bursts ◽  
Binary Neutron Star ◽  
The Third ◽  
Transient Events ◽  
Tools And Methods

ABSTRACT We present the Global Rapid Advanced Network Devoted to the Multi-messenger Addicts (GRANDMA). The network consists of 21 telescopes with both photometric and spectroscopic facilities. They are connected together thanks to a dedicated infrastructure. The network aims at coordinating the observations of large sky position estimates of transient events to enhance their follow-up and reduce the delay between the initial detection and optical confirmation. The GRANDMA programme mainly focuses on follow-up of gravitational-wave alerts to find and characterize the electromagnetic counterpart during the third observational campaign of the Advanced LIGO and Advanced Virgo detectors. But it allows for follow-up of any transient alerts involving neutrinos or gamma-ray bursts, even those with poor spatial localization. We present the different facilities, tools, and methods we developed for this network and show its efficiency using observations of LIGO/Virgo S190425z, a binary neutron star merger candidate. We furthermore report on all GRANDMA follow-up observations performed during the first six months of the LIGO–Virgo observational campaign, and we derive constraints on the kilonova properties assuming that the events’ locations were imaged by our telescopes.

scholarly journals J-GEM follow-up observations of the gravitational wave source GW151226*

2016 ◽  
Vol 69 (1) ◽  
pp. 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michitoshi Yoshida ◽  
Yousuke Utsumi ◽  
Nozomu Tominaga ◽  
Tomoki Morokuma ◽  
Masaomi Tanaka ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gravitational Wave ◽  
Wave Source

scholarly journals A comparison between short GRB afterglows and kilonova AT2017gfo: shedding light on kilonovae properties

2020 ◽  
Vol 493 (3) ◽  
pp. 3379-3397 ◽  
Author(s):  
A Rossi ◽  
G Stratta ◽  
E Maiorano ◽  
D Spighi ◽  
N Masetti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gravitational Wave ◽  
Gamma Ray ◽  
Light Curves ◽  
Optical Counterpart ◽  
Wave Source ◽  
Gamma Ray Burst ◽  
Nir Light ◽  
First Time ◽  
Short Grbs

ABSTRACT Multimessenger astronomy received a great boost following the discovery of kilonova (KN) AT2017gfo, the optical counterpart of the gravitational wave source GW170817 associated with the short gamma-ray burst GRB 170817A. AT2017gfo was the first KN that could be extensively monitored in time using both photometry and spectroscopy. Previously, only few candidates have been observed against the glare of short GRB afterglows. In this work, we aim to search the fingerprints of AT2017gfo-like KN emissions in the optical/NIR light curves of 39 short GRBs with known redshift. For the first time, our results allow us to study separately the range of luminosity of the blue and red components of AT2017gfo-like kilonovae in short GRBs. In particular, the red component is similar in luminosity to AT2017gfo, while the blue KN can be more than 10 times brighter. Finally, we exclude a KN as luminous as AT2017gfo in GRBs 050509B and 061201.

scholarly journals Kilonova/Macronova Emission from Compact Binary Mergers

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Masaomi Tanaka
Keyword(s):  
Gravitational Wave ◽  
Near Infrared ◽  
Expansion Velocity ◽  
Infrared Excess ◽  
Wave Source ◽  
Compact Binary ◽  
Binary Mergers ◽  
Infrared Wavelengths ◽  
Absolute Magnitudes ◽  
Review Current

We review current understanding of kilonova/macronova emission from compact binary mergers (mergers of two neutron stars or a neutron star and a black hole). Kilonova/macronova is emission powered by radioactive decays ofr-process nuclei and it is one of the most promising electromagnetic counterparts of gravitational wave sources. Emission from the dynamical ejecta of ~0.01M⊙is likely to have a luminosity of ~1040–1041 erg s−1with a characteristic timescale of about 1 week. The spectral peak is located in red optical or near-infrared wavelengths. A subsequent accretion disk wind may provide an additional luminosity or an earlier/bluer emission if it is not absorbed by the precedent dynamical ejecta. The detection of near-infrared excess in short GRB 130603B and possible optical excess in GRB 060614 supports the concept of the kilonova/macronova scenario. At 200 Mpc distance, a typical peak brightness of kilonova/macronova with0.01M⊙ejecta is about 22 mag and the emission rapidly fades to >24 mag within ~10 days. Kilonova/macronova candidates can be distinguished from supernovae by (1) the faster time evolution, (2) fainter absolute magnitudes, and (3) redder colors. Since the high expansion velocity (v~0.1–0.2c) is a robust outcome of compact binary mergers, the detection of smooth spectra will be the smoking gun to conclusively identify the gravitational wave source.

scholarly journals Probing binary neutron star mergers in dense environments using afterglow counterparts

2020 ◽  
Vol 639 ◽  
pp. A15
Author(s):  
Raphaël Duque ◽  
Paz Beniamini ◽  
Frédéric Daigne ◽  
Robert Mochkovitch
Keyword(s):  
Neutron Star ◽  
Gravitational Wave ◽  
Indirect Evidence ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
High Density ◽  
Binary Neutron Star ◽  
Delay Times ◽  
Wave Event

The only binary neutron star merger gravitational wave event with detected electromagnetic counterparts recorded to date is GRB170817A. This merger occurred in a rarefied medium with a density smaller than 10−3 − 10−2 cm−3. Since kicks are imparted to neutron star binaries upon formation, and due to their long delay times before merger, such low-density circum-merger media are generally expected. However, there is some indirect evidence for fast-merging or low-kick binaries, which would coalesce in denser environments. Nonetheless, present astronomical data are largely inconclusive on the possibility of these high-density mergers. We describe a method to directly probe this hypothetical population of high-density mergers through multi-messenger observations of binary neutron star merger afterglows, exploiting the high sensitivity of these signals to the density of the merger environment. This method is based on a sample of merger afterglows that has yet to be collected. Its constraining power is large, even with a small sample of events. We discuss the method’s limitations and applicability. In the upcoming era of third-generation gravitational wave detectors, this method’s potential will be fully realized as it will allow us to probe mergers that occurred soon after the peak of cosmic star formation, provided the follow-up campaigns are able to locate the sources.

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