Observations of Gravitational-wave Afterglows. Issue Volume 16:Issue S363(2020) (June 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Corsi, Alessandra
• Editors: Troja, Eleonora; Baring, Matthew G.
• Is Part Of: Proceedings of the International Astronomical Union. Volume 16:Issue S363(2020)
• Page Start: 92
• Page End: 104
• Publication Date: 2020-06
• Subjects: Gravitational waves -- radiation mechanisms: general -- methods: observational -- stars: neutron; Astronomy -- Congresses; Astronomy -- Periodicals; 520
• DOI: 10.1017/S1743921322001648
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1743-9213

Abstract

Abstract: GW170817, the merger of two neutron stars witnessed through both its gravitational wave siren and its glow at all wavelengths of light, represents the first multi-messenger detection of a compact binary merger. The association of the GW in-spiral signal from GW170817 with a γ -ray burst, a kilonova, and a non-thermal afterglow spanning all bands of the electromagnetic spectrum, has provided rich constraints on the physics and astrophysics of neutron stars. Starting from the example of GW170817, I briefly summarize recent results on observations of electromagnetic afterglows from gravitational wave triggers. In the light of these results, I highlight some key questions that are yet to be answered after the GW170817 discovery. I conclude by commenting briefly on some opportunities that lie in front of us, as improvements in ground-based gravitational wave detectors' sensitivities will transform a trickle of multi-messenger discoveries into a flood, bringing the field of gravitational wave astronomy from its infancy to its maturity.