Measuring cosmological distances by coalescing binaries

TL;DR

This paper explores how gravitational waves from inspiraling binaries can serve as standard candles to measure cosmic distances independently, especially useful for low redshift (z < 0.1) universe studies.

Contribution

It proposes a method to use gravitational wave signals from well-localized binaries as standard candles for cosmological distance measurement.

Findings

Potential to measure distances up to z < 0.1

Provides an independent method complementing existing distance indicators

Enhances understanding of cosmic expansion at low redshift

Abstract

Gravitational waves detected from well-localized inspiraling binaries would allow us to determine, directly and independently, binary luminosity and redshift. In this case, such systems could behave as "standard candles" providing an excellent probe of cosmic distances up to z <0.1 and complementing other indicators of cosmological distance ladder.