Science with an ngVLA: Compact binary mergers as traced by gravitational waves

TL;DR

The paper explores how the next generation Very Large Array (ngVLA), when combined with gravitational wave detectors, can significantly advance multi-messenger astrophysics by enabling detailed studies of neutron star mergers and their radio emissions.

Contribution

It highlights the potential of ngVLA to provide unprecedented insights into compact binary mergers through multi-messenger observations, which is a novel application of this facility.

Findings

ngVLA can probe wide-angle ejecta and off-axis afterglows.

It enables direct size measurements of radio ejecta.

It allows studying host galaxies to understand merger progenitors.

Abstract

In light of the recent dazzling discovery of GW170817, we discuss several new scientific opportunities that would emerge in multi-messenger time-domain astrophysics if a facility like the next generation Very Large Array (ngVLA) were to work in tandem with ground-based gravitational wave (GW) detectors. These opportunities include probing wide-angle ejecta and off-axis afterglows of neutron star (NS)-NS mergers; enabling direct size measurements of radio ejecta from NS-NS mergers; and unraveling the physics behind the progenitors of compact binary mergers via host galaxy studies at radio wavelengths. Our results show that, thanks to its unprecedented sensitivity and resolution, the ngVLA will enable transformational results in the multi-messenger exploration of the transient radio sky.