Gravitational Waves, Gamma-Ray Bursts, and the Multi-Messenger Exploration of the Transient Sky

对引力波的探测将为瞬变天空提供一个全新的视角。先进的激光干涉仪引力波天文台（LIGO）将很快开启一个时代，届时有关伽马射线爆发（最具相对论性和能量的恒星爆炸）的神秘问题将通过多信使研究得到澄清。在此框架下，本奖项支持：(i)培训一名研究生，该研究生可以在LIGO科学合作组织内从事与伽马射线暴重合的LIGO搜索工作；（ii） LIGO-Virgo三重重合触发的电磁跟踪相关研究；（iii）寻找“持续时间更长”的引力波信号，目的是探测伽马射线暴的磁星祖情景。对引力波的探测可以第一次直接探测到伽马射线暴起源的性质。通过引力波触发的电磁跟踪发现的“孤儿余辉”，将对伽马射线爆发的射流模型产生最戏剧性的证实。在伽马射线爆发的同时探测到持续时间较长的引力波信号，可以探测到中心引擎（磁星与黑洞）的本质，并解释早期余辉阶段的一些最令人困惑的观测特性。该项目的一个重要组成部分是培养研究生和本科生成为下一代天体物理学家：能够连接天文学和引力物理学的科学家。鼓励学生参与LIGO工程运行，致力于准备先进的探测器。通过在当地天文馆举办的讲座，引力波天文学概念的广泛传播，以及LIGO作为美国国家设施致力于开启天文学新时代的认识得到了促进。最后一个服务的是公立学校的学生，绝大多数属于代表性不足的群体。

The detection of gravitational waves will provide a totally new view of the transient sky. The advanced LIGO, the Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory, will soon open an era when mysterious questions regarding gamma-ray bursts, the most relativistic and energetic stellar explosions, will be clarified via multi-messenger studies. In this framework, the present award supports: (i) the training of a graduate student who can work, within the LIGO Scientific Collaboration, on LIGO searches in coincidence with gamma-ray bursts; (ii) studies related to the electromagnetic follow-up of LIGO-Virgo triple coincidence triggers; (iii) searches for "longer-duration" gravitational wave signals, aimed at probing the magnetar progenitor scenario for gamma-ray bursts. The detection of gravitational waves could probe, for the first time directly, the nature of gamma-ray burst progenitors. The discovery of an "orphan afterglow" via electromagnetic follow-up of a gravitational wave trigger, would yield the most dramatic confirmation of the jet model for gamma-ray bursts. The detection of a longer-duration gravitational wave signal in coincidence with a gamma-ray burst, could probe the nature of the central engine (magnetar versus black-hole), and explain some of the most puzzling observational properties of the early afterglow phase.An important component of this project is the training of graduate and undergraduate students at being the next generation of astrophysicists: scientists capable of bridging astronomy and gravitational physics. Students' participation in LIGO engineering runs dedicated to the preparation of the advanced detectors, is encouraged. A wider dissemination of the concept of gravitational wave astronomy, and awareness of LIGO as the US national facility dedicated to opening a new era in astronomy, are promoted through lectures offered at a local planetarium. The last serves public school students belonging, for the vast majority, to underrepresented groups.