Better predictions for the future of gravitational-wave astronomy

International workshop of LIGO and Virgo experts in Berlin

The Max Planck Independent Research Group “Binary Merger Observations and Numerical Relativity” at the Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics (Albert Einstein Institute; AEI) in Hannover organizes the first international workshop of the gravitational-wave prediction and simulation team. Their goal is to together prepare and coordinate for the third observation run of the Advanced LIGO and Advanced Virgo instruments and beyond.

The scientists participating in the workshop are members of the LIGO Scientific and the Virgo collaborations and they work on exact and approximate solutions of the complex equations of Einstein‘s general theory of relativity. They use these methods to compute highly precise predictions of the gravitational waves emitted in cosmic cataclysms.

Indispensable tools of gravitational physics

“Our waveform computations are indispensable tools of gravitational physics. With these predictions we efficiently search for new signal in detector data and use them to understand the nature of these signals,” says Dr. Frank Ohme. “Our workshop brings together experts from all around the world. Together we want to prepare optimally for the future of gravitational-wave astronomy.”

Using their computations the researchers infer astrophysical information from the signals after their discovery. Only by comparing precise waveform models with the observed gravitational-wave signal can they determine which objects were the cause of the signal, and what their properties were. They answer the most important question: Were they merging black holes, neutron stars or other exotic objects? Which masses and spins did the celestial bodies have? How far from Earth did the coalescence happen?

First international workshop of the LIGO and Virgo experts

From 17th until 19th October 2017 more than 30 scientists from all around the globe will follow the invitation by Ohme‘s Max Planck Independent Research Group “Binary Merger Observations and Numerical Relativity” and meet in the Max Planck Society‘s Harnack House in Berlin. The will work on current questions of gravitational-wave prediction in interactive discussions in small groups, talks, and hands-on workshops. They thereby prepare themselves and the LIGO Scientific and Virgo collaborations for the third observation run of the Advanced LIGO and Advanced Virgo instruments which is scheduled to begin in late 2018.

Participation in the workshop is restricted to members of the LIGO Scientific and Virgo collaborations.

Participants of the workshop are available for interviews on request.