First searches for optical counterparts to gravitational-wave candidate events
Date
2014
Authors
Acernese, F.
Hosken, D.
Hough, J.
Kim, W.
Kim, Y.
King, E.
King, P.
Munch, J.
Murphy, D.
Ottaway, D.
Editors
Advisors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Type:
Journal article
Citation
Astrophysical Journal Supplement Series, 2014; 211(1):7:1-7:25
Statement of Responsibility
F. Acernese...D. J. Hosken....W. Kim...E. J. King...J. Munch...D. J. Ottaway...P. J. Veitch...et al. (The LIGO Collaboration and the Virgo Collaboration)
Conference Name
Abstract
During the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory and Virgo joint science runs in 2009-2010, gravitational wave (GW) data from three interferometer detectors were analyzed within minutes to select GW candidate events and infer their apparent sky positions. Target coordinates were transmitted to several telescopes for follow-up observations aimed at the detection of an associated optical transient. Images were obtained for eight such GW candidates. We present the methods used to analyze the image data as well as the transient search results. No optical transient was identified with a convincing association with any of these candidates, and none of the GW triggers showed strong evidence for being astrophysical in nature. We compare the sensitivities of these observations to several model light curves from possible sources of interest, and discuss prospects for future joint GW-optical observations of this type.
School/Discipline
Dissertation Note
Provenance
Description
Extent: 25 p.
Access Status
Rights
©2014. The American Astronomical Society. All rights reserved.