Multi-Messenger Observability of Neutron Star Binary System

TL;DR

This paper investigates the potential for observing binary neutron star systems before they merge, highlighting current limitations and future prospects for detection using optical and X-ray instruments.

Contribution

It provides a simulation-based analysis of the observability of pre-merger neutron star binaries and discusses future detection possibilities with improved instruments.

Findings

Current optical instruments have low visibility for these systems.

Future wide field X-ray instruments may enable detection.

Pre-merger detection remains challenging with existing technology.

Abstract

As technology has improved, binary neutron star systems have been observed more frequently, in fact, the first gravitational wave to have an electromagnetic counterpart originated from the merger of two neutron stars (GW170817). Detecting these systems prior to merger may help recover essential data for developing an Equation of State for neutron stars. This paper examines the observability of detached eclipsing binary neutron stars prior to merger by simulating the potential observability of neutron star systems in the optical. It is found that it is not likely considering current instruments due to low visibility and inadequate time resolution, however, improvements in the future or a wide field X-ray instrument may offer a viable option for detecting these systems.