Rapid and reliable sky localization of gravitational wave sources

TL;DR

This paper introduces a fast, Bayesian method for sky localization of gravitational wave sources, enabling rapid identification of electromagnetic counterparts to neutron star mergers.

Contribution

A novel technique that produces accurate, fully Bayesian sky maps in seconds, applicable to complex binary systems and accounting for uncertainties.

Findings

Sky maps generated in seconds for rapid follow-up

Applicable to spin-precessing binaries

Accounts for calibration and spectral uncertainties

Abstract

The first detection of gravitational waves by LIGO from the merger of two compact objects has sparked new interest in detecting electromagnetic counterparts to these violent events. For mergers involving neutron stars, it is thought that prompt high-energy emission in gamma rays and x-rays will be followed days to weeks later by an afterglow in visible light, infrared and radio. Rapid sky localization using the data from a network of gravitational wave detectors is essential to maximize the chances of making a joint detection. Here I describe a new technique that is able to produce accurate, fully Bayesian sky maps in seconds or less. The technique can be applied to spin-precessing compact binaries, and can take into account detector calibration and spectral estimation uncertainties.