Gravitational-Wave Science: Multi-Messenger Searches and Tests of Alternative Theories

引力波是时空几何学中的微小涟漪，由遥远的天体物理学物体（如黑洞，中子星和超新星）产生，有望为这些有趣而重要的天体物理学系统提供独特的见解。激光干涉仪引力波天文台（LIGO）在2005-2007年和2009-2010年成功完成了“科学运行”，与位于欧洲的地球同步轨道和室女座引力波探测器一起收集了高灵敏度数据。 该奖项支持一项研究计划，利用这些科学运行的数据，与光学和射电天文学家合作，完成对引力波事件的创新多信使搜索。这些数据也将被用来测试引力的替代理论。最后，当Advanced LIGO和Virgo探测器开始在2014 - 2015年的科学运行时，我们将开始改进实时多信使搜索的准备工作。该项目有助于最大限度地利用NSF在LIGO和Advanced LIGO上的投资，通过探索具有引力波和无线电和/或光发射的高能天体物理事件。 因此，它将引力波探测工作与主流天文学联系起来，通过协调观测最大限度地发挥科学潜力。此外，它还将探索引力的基本物理学。除了有利于物理学和天体物理学知识外，该项目还将提高学生和代表性不足的少数群体对科学研究的参与，向公众传播研究成果，并改善科学的教学。

Gravitational waves are tiny ripples in the geometry of spacetime, generated by distant astrophysical objects such as black holes, neutron stars, and supernovas, that promise to provide unique insights into these intriguing and important astrophysical systems. The Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO) completed successful "science runs" in 2005-2007 and 2009-2010, collecting high-sensitivity data together with the GEO and Virgo gravitational-wave detectors located in Europe. This award supports a research program to use the data from those science runs to complete innovative multi-messenger searches for gravitational wave events in collaboration with optical and radio astronomers. The data will also be used to test alternative theories of gravity. Finally, preparations will begin for improved real-time multi-messenger searches using the Advanced LIGO and Virgo detectors when they begin science running in the 2014 to 2015 timeframe.This project helps to maximize NSF's investment in LIGO and Advanced LIGO by exploring highly energetic astrophysical events with both gravitational-wave and radio and/or optical emissions. It thus connects the gravitational-wave detection effort with mainstream astronomy, maximizing the scientific potential through coordinated observations. In addition, it will explore the fundamental physics of gravity. In addition to the benefits to physics and astrophysics knowledge, this project will increase the participation of students and underrepresented minorities in scientific research, disseminate the results from this research to the general public, and improve the teaching and learning of science.