Quasi-Normal Modes and Gravitational Wave Astronomy

TL;DR

This paper reviews the current understanding of quasi-normal modes in compact stars and black holes, emphasizing their importance in gravitational wave signals and potential for probing the internal structure of astrophysical objects.

Contribution

It synthesizes recent research on quasi-normal modes and discusses the prospects of gravitational wave asteroseismology based on these modes.

Findings

Eigenfrequencies encode information about the source's nature and structure

Quasi-normal modes are key features in gravitational wave signals from compact objects

Discussion on readiness for gravitational wave asteroseismology

Abstract

We review the main results obtained in the literature on quasi-normal modes of compact stars and black holes, in the light of recent exciting developments of gravitational wave detectors. Quasi-normal modes are a fundamental feature of the gravitational signal emitted by compact objects in many astrophysical processes; we will show that their eigenfrequencies encode interesting information on the nature and on the inner structure of the emitting source and we will discuss whether we are ready for a gravitational wave asteroseismology.