Princeton University Thunch Talk

Binary neutron star mergers are great multi-messenger sources. These mergers generate gravitational waves (GWs) detectable with ground-based interferometers and can be accompanied by luminous electromagnetic (EM) radiation. The combined detection of GW and EM signals can enable many types of science, from cosmology to fundamental physics and astrophysics of energetic phenomena. However, with only one well-studied source, GW170817, deep questions remain. For example, what is the true binary neutron star merger rate? Are merger ejecta always rich in r-process elements? What are the EM counterparts to neutron star–black hole mergers? Kilonovae, the optical/infrared counterparts to neutron star mergers, are key to answering these and more questions. In this seminar, I will present results from systematic kilonova searches using sensitive wide-field instruments such as the Dark Energy Camera and the Zwicky Transient Facility during LIGO-Virgo O3 as well as during sky survey operations. I will conclude with a discussion on prospects for GW counterpart discovery with the Vera C. Rubin Observatory, the main optical survey telescope of the next decade.