Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2007-12-07
Astrophys.J. 684 (2008) 870-888
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
17 pages, 9 figures, submitted to ApJ
Scientific paper
10.1086/590230
Electromagnetic (EM) counterparts to supermassive black hole binary mergers observed by LISA can be localized to within the field of view of astronomical instruments ~10 deg^2 hours to weeks prior to coalescence. The temporal coincidence of any prompt EM counterpart with a gravitationally-timed merger may offer the best chance of identifying a unique host galaxy. We discuss the challenges posed by searches for prompt EM counterparts and propose novel observational strategies to address them. In particular, we discuss the size and shape evolution of the LISA localization error ellipses on the sky, and quantify the requirements for dedicated EM surveys of the area prior to coalescence. A triggered EM counterpart search campaign will require monitoring a several-square degree area. It could aim for variability at the 24-27 mag level in optical bands, for example, which corresponds to 1-10% of the Eddington luminosity of the prime LISA sources of 10^6-10^7 Msun BHs at z=1-2, on time-scales of minutes to hours, the orbital time-scale of the binary in the last 2-4 weeks. A cross-correlation of the period of any variable EM signal with the quasi-periodic gravitational waveform over 10-1000 cycles may aid the detection. Alternatively, EM searches can detect a transient signal accompanying the coalescence. We highlight the measurement of differences in the arrival times of photons and gravitons from the same cosmological source as a valuable independent test of the massive character of gravity, and of possible violations of Lorentz invariance in the gravity sector.
Haiman Zoltan
Kocsis Bence
Menou Kristen
No associations
LandOfFree
Pre-Merger Localization of Gravitational-Wave Standard Sirens With LISA: Triggered Search for an Electromagnetic Counterpart does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with Pre-Merger Localization of Gravitational-Wave Standard Sirens With LISA: Triggered Search for an Electromagnetic Counterpart, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Pre-Merger Localization of Gravitational-Wave Standard Sirens With LISA: Triggered Search for an Electromagnetic Counterpart will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-324832