LOOC UP: Locating and observing optical counterparts to gravitational wave bursts

TL;DR

This paper introduces LOOC UP, a method for real-time detection of optical counterparts to gravitational wave bursts using LIGO-Virgo data and telescope networks, aiming to enhance multi-messenger astrophysics.

Contribution

It presents a novel approach combining gravitational wave data analysis with optical follow-up observations for unmodeled GW bursts.

Findings

Developed software tools for real-time GW data analysis.

Demonstrated the feasibility of optical follow-up during LIGO-Virgo runs.

Prepared for implementation in the upcoming science runs.

Abstract

Gravitational wave (GW) bursts (short duration signals) are expected to be associated with highly energetic astrophysical processes. With such high energies present, it is likely these astrophysical events will have signatures in the EM spectrum as well as in gravitational radiation. We have initiated a program, "Locating and Observing Optical Counterparts to Unmodeled Pulses in Gravitational Waves" (LOOC UP) to promptly search for counterparts to GW burst candidates. The proposed method analyzes near real-time data from the LIGO-Virgo network, and then uses a telescope network to seek optical-transient counterparts to candidate GW signals. We carried out a pilot study using S5/VSR1 data from the LIGO-Virgo network to develop methods and software tools for such a search. We will present the method, with an emphasis on the potential for such a search to be carried out during the next science run of LIGO and Virgo, expected to begin in 2009.