Institute for Advanced Study Informal Astrophysics Seminar

ABSTRACT: With the imminent start of Advanced LIGO/VIRGO observations, and the less imminent but much hoped-for advent of LISA, gravitational wave science will transition from a specialty of theoretical astrophysics and experimental interferometry to a specialty of observational astronomy. To take full advantage of second-generation instruments capable of precision gravitational wave measurements, we require a detailed understanding of the anticipated gravitational waves, as well as any electromagnetic signatures that may be coincident. To this end, I will discuss recent work estimating the achievable accuracy for modeling and ultimately measuring compact binary parameters from gravitational wave observations, as well as potential electromagnetic signatures that may accompany these events. I will also discuss the potential for a novel constraint of dark energy through coincident gravitational wave and electromagnetic measurements, and the outstanding issues that must be solved to maximize the achievable science from these observations.