Prospects for joint radio telescope and gravitational wave searches for astrophysical transients

TL;DR

This paper explores the scientific potential and methods for joint radio and gravitational wave observations of astrophysical transients, focusing on binary systems of compact objects as key sources.

Contribution

It proposes a framework for combined searches and analysis methods to detect coincident signals, enhancing the prospects for gravitational wave detection and transient characterization.

Findings

Joint observations could confirm gravitational wave detections.

Coincident signals would provide new insights into compact binary systems.

Methodologies for data analysis in joint searches are outlined.

Abstract

The radio skies remain mostly unobserved when it comes to transient phenomena. The direct detection of gravitational waves will mark a major milestone of modern astronomy, as an entirely new window will open on the universe. Two apparently independent phenomena can be brought together in a coincident effort that has the potential to boost both searches. In this paper we will outline the scientific case that stands behind these future joint observations and will describe the methods that might be used to conduct the searches and analyze the data. The targeted sources are binary systems of compact objects, known to be strong candidate sources for gravitational waves. Detection of transients coincident in these two channels would be a significant smoking gun for first direct detection of gravitational waves, and would open up a new field for characterization of astrophysical transients involving massive compact objects.