Gravitational Wave Astronomy

Graphs of recovered gravitational waveforms. The dark band shows estimates for the waveform without assuming a particular source. The light bands show results if we assume it is a binary black hole (BBH) as predicted by general relativity. They match really well

The detection of gravitational waves from the merging binary black hole GW150914, followed by the (likely) binary black hole mergers LVT151012, GW151226, and GW170104, means the era of gravitational wave astronomy is upon us.

We expect to detect tens of merging binary black holes before the end of the decade, will eventually detect mergers involving neutron stars, and---if the universe cooperates---find surprising, exotic gravitational phenomena. The gravitational wave astronomy group at the CCA will help shape this burgeoning field. We will be involved in detailed modelling of the formation and emissions (gravitational and otherwise) of these sources of gravitational radiation, development of sophisticated analysis methods for extracting and characterising gravitational wave signals from noisy detector data streams, and the application of cutting-edge statistical techniques to characterise the population of gravitational wave sources and relate it to existing models and observations of stellar populations.

News & Announcements

Leadership

Group Members

Advancing Research in Basic Science and MathematicsSubscribe to Flatiron Institute announcements and other foundation updates