Near Real-Time Gravitational Wave Data Analysis of the Massive Black Hole Binary with TianQin

TL;DR

This paper develops a real-time data analysis pipeline for TianQin, enabling accurate localization of massive black hole binaries shortly before merger, facilitating multimessenger astronomy.

Contribution

It introduces a real-time search and localization pipeline for MBHBs with TianQin, demonstrating rapid analysis and precise localization capabilities.

Findings

MBHBs can be localized within 1 deg$^2$ one day before merger.

Analysis can be completed in 40 minutes near the merger.

Real-time data transmission enhances early warning and localization.

Abstract

Space-borne gravitational wave (GW) detectors can detect the merger of massive black holes. The early warning and localization of GW events before merging can be used to inform electromagnetic telescopes and conduct multimessenger observations. However, this requires real-time data transmission and analysis capabilities. The geocentric orbit of the space-borne GW detector TianQin makes it possible to conduct real-time data transmission. In this study, we develop a search and localization pipeline for massive black hole binaries (MBHBs) with TianQin under both regular and real-time data transmission modes. We demonstrate that, with real-time data transmission, MBHBs can be accurately localized on the fly. With the approaching merger, each analysis can be finished in only 40 min. For an MBHB system at a distance of 1 Gpc, if we receive data every hour, then we can pinpoint its location to within less than 1 deg$^2$ on the final day before the merger.