Next Generation Observatories -- Report from the Dawn VI Workshop; October 5-7 2021

TL;DR

The Dawn VI workshop discussed the development and scientific potential of next-generation ground-based gravitational-wave observatories, emphasizing the importance of international collaboration, especially between Cosmic Explorer and Einstein Telescope, for broad astrophysical insights.

Contribution

This report highlights the consensus on the scientific promise of Cosmic Explorer and Einstein Telescope, and advocates for closer collaboration to maximize the scientific return of future GW observatories.

Findings

Cosmic Explorer is endorsed as a promising next-generation detector.

A three-detector network including CE and ET is optimal for science.

Broad scientific opportunities across physics and astrophysics are identified.

Abstract

The workshop Dawn VI: Next Generation Observatories took place online over three days, 5-7 October, 2021. More than 200 physicists and astronomers attended to contribute to, and learn from, a discussion of next-generation ground-based gravitational-wave detectors. The program was centered on the next generation of ground-based gravitational-wave observatories and their synergy with the greater landscape of scientific observatories of the 2030s. Cosmic Explorer (CE), a concept developed with US National Science Foundation support, was a particular focus; Einstein Telescope (ET), the European next generation concept, is an important complement and partner in forming a network. The concluding summary of the meeting expressed the sentiment that the observational science accessible to CE and ET, also in combination with data from other non-GW observatories, will stimulate a very broad community of analysts and yield insights which are exciting given the access to GWs from the entire universe. The need, and desire, for closer collaboration between ET and CE was expressed; a three-detector network is optimal for delivering much of the science. The science opportunities afforded by CE and ET are broad and compelling, impacting a wide range of disciplines in physics and high energy astrophysics. There was a consensus that CE is a concept that can deliver the promised science. A strong endorsement of Cosmic Explorer, as described in the CE Horizon Study, is a primary outcome of DAWN VI.