Watch This Space: Observing Merging White Dwarfs

TL;DR

This paper discusses how LISA will detect merging white dwarf binaries, emphasizing the importance of optical follow-up to understand tidal effects and supernova ignition conditions.

Contribution

It highlights the potential of combining gravitational wave data with optical observations to study white dwarf mergers and their role in supernovae.

Findings

Approximately 3600 galactic white dwarf binaries detectable by LISA.

A dozen systems expected to be near merger, showing tidal effects.

Optical studies can reveal tidal heating and mass transfer processes.

Abstract

The Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) will open the low-frequency (0.1-100 mHz) part of the gravitational wave spectrum to direct observation. Of order 3600 galactic close binary white dwarfs will be individually resolvable in its all-sky spectrum, of which a dozen systems are expected to be on the verge of merger, showing the effects of strong tidal heating and/or early onset of tidal mass transfer. Optical study of these systems would provide important insights into tidal dissipation mechanisms, and internal heating in merging white dwarfs that sets ignition conditions for potential type Ia supernovae. Theoretical modeling and instrumentation programs are needed now to enable a campaign for optical identifications to exploit this opportunity.