The Challenges in Gravitational Wave Astronomy for Space-Based Detectors

TL;DR

This paper discusses the various scientific opportunities and technical challenges in space-based gravitational wave detection, emphasizing the importance of data analysis strategies for the success of the eLISA mission.

Contribution

It highlights the key scientific goals of space-based GW astronomy and examines the challenges in source resolution and data analysis for the eLISA mission.

Findings

Identifies potential sources like black hole binaries and cosmic strings.

Emphasizes the need for optimal data analysis strategies.

Discusses the importance of source resolution and parameter estimation.

Abstract

The Gravitational Wave (GW) universe contains a wealth of sources which, with the proper treatment, will open up the universe as never before. By observing massive black hole binaries to high redshifts, we should begin to explore the formation process of seed black holes and track galactic evolution to the present day. Observations of extreme mass ratio inspirals will allow us to explore galactic centers in the local universe, as well as providing tests of General Relativity and constraining the value of Hubble's constant. The detection of compact binaries in our own galaxy may allow us to model stellar evolution in the Milky Way. Finally, the detection of cosmic (super)strings and a stochastic background would help us to constrain cosmological models. However, all of this depends on our ability to not only resolve sources and carry out parameter estimation, but also on our ability to define an optimal data analysis strategy. In this presentation, I will examine the challenges that lie ahead in GW astronomy for the ESA L3 Cosmic Vision mission, eLISA.