# Gamma Rays and Gravitational Waves

## TL;DR

This paper discusses the significance of multimessenger observations combining gamma-ray and gravitational wave detections, highlighting recent neutron star merger events and the need for upgraded detection capabilities for future discoveries.

## Contribution

It emphasizes the importance of coordinated gamma-ray and gravitational wave observations and advocates for upgrades to detection networks to enhance multimessenger astrophysics.

## Key findings

- First joint detection of a neutron star merger in gamma-rays and gravitational waves.
- Identification of the need for improved gamma-ray and gravitational wave coverage.
- Potential to uncover new astrophysical sources through multimessenger observations.

## Abstract

The first multimessenger observation of a neutron star merger was independently detected in gamma-rays by Fermi-GBM and INTEGRAL SPI-ACS and gravitational waves by Advanced LIGO and Advanced Virgo. Gravitational waves are emitted from systems with accelerating quadrupole moments, and detectable sources are expected to be compact objects. Nearly all distant astrophysical gamma-ray sources are compact objects. Therefore, serendipitous observations of these two messengers will continue to uncover the sources of gravitational waves and gamma-rays, and enable multimessenger science across the Astro2020 thematic areas. This requires upgrades to the ground-based gravitational wave network and ~keV-MeV gamma-ray coverage for observations of neutron star mergers, and broadband coverage in both gravitational waves and gamma-rays to monitor other expected joint sources.