Speaker
Description
The detection of gravitational waves (GW) from binary black holes in 2015 and of the discovery of associated GW and electromagnetic (EM) radiation from the binary neutron star merger GW 170817 have opened a new era for astrophysics. We are currently in the fourth observing cycle of gravitational interferometers, with the participation of LIGO, Virgo, and KAGRA, and a new run is currently planned to start in 2028. In the 2030's, next generation gravitational interferometers from ground and space will come into operation (Einstein Telescope, Cosmic Explorer, LISA).
The potential for joint GW and EM observation, considering also the search for kilonovae in large optical surveys, is immense; and so are the challenges. When it comes to radio observations, connected interferometers and VLBI arrays have already shown their relevance to constrain the nature of the ejection in the case of GW 170817. EM emission from gamma-ray burst (GRB) afterglows (both on- and off-axis) can remain detectable at radio wavelengths for much longer times than in any other band. This allows the characterisation of the evolution of the systems with better precision, piercing the structure of GRB jets, and possibly also the detection of misaligned jets, once the velocity has become non relativistic.
As a standalone interferometer, the SKAO will have sensitivity and field of view suitable to complement the search for GW counterparts during O5 and later, and to monitor the light curves of any confirmed counterpart longer than any other instrument. Moreover, as an element of a VLBI array, it would contribute the sensitivity to constrain the parameter of the structural evolution for the closest events.
We will give an overview of the current and future observational landscape, of the primary questions that the SKAO will help addressing, and of the role of the Italian community in this rich framework.
| Topics | Transients & GW follow-up |
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