Astro2020 Decadal Science White Paper: Gravitational Wave Survey of Galactic Ultra Compact Binaries

TL;DR

This white paper discusses the potential of gravitational wave surveys combined with electromagnetic observations to comprehensively study ultra-compact binaries in the galaxy, providing new insights into their properties and evolution.

Contribution

It highlights the importance of joint GW and EM surveys for detecting and characterizing millions of UCBs, advancing understanding of compact object formation and binary dynamics.

Findings

Predicted millions of UCBs emitting GWs in the galaxy

Joint GW and EM observations enable detailed measurements of binary parameters

Surveys will provide insights into white dwarf physics and supernova progenitors

Abstract

Ultra-compact binaries (UCBs) are systems containing compact or degenerate stars with orbital periods less than one hour. Tens of millions of UCBs are predicted to exist within theGalaxy emitting gravitational waves (GWs) at mHz frequencies. Combining GW searches with electromagnetic (EM) surveys like Gaia and LSST will yield a comprehensive, multimessenger catalog of UCBs in the galaxy. Joint EM and GW observations enable measurements of masses, radii, and orbital dynamics far beyond what can be achieved by independent EM or GW studies. GW+EM surveys of UCBs in the galaxy will yield a trove of unique insights into the nature of white dwarfs, the formation of compact objects, dynamical interactions in binaries, and energetic, accretion-driven phenomena like Type Ia superonovae.