Criteria for identifying and evaluating locations that could potentially host the Cosmic Explorer observatories

TL;DR

This paper outlines the scientific, social, and logistical criteria for selecting optimal locations to host the next-generation Cosmic Explorer gravitational-wave observatories, aiming to maximize scientific output and community benefits.

Contribution

It introduces a comprehensive set of criteria for evaluating potential sites for the Cosmic Explorer, integrating scientific, cost, access, and social considerations.

Findings

Established criteria for site evaluation

Prioritized community engagement and social factors

Outlined technical and logistical requirements

Abstract

Cosmic Explorer (CE) is a next-generation ground-based gravitational-wave observatory that is being designed in the 2020s and is envisioned to begin operations in the 2030s together with the Einstein Telescope in Europe. The CE concept currently consists of two widely separated L-shaped observatories in the United States, one with 40 km-long arms and the other with 20 km-long arms. This order of magnitude increase in scale with respect to the LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA observatories will, together with technological improvements, deliver an order of magnitude greater astronomical reach, allowing access to gravitational waves from remnants of the first stars and opening a wide discovery aperture to the novel and unknown. In addition to pushing the reach of gravitational-wave astronomy, CE endeavors to approach the lifecycle of large scientific facilities in a way that prioritizes mutually beneficial relationships with local and Indigenous communities. This article describes the (scientific, cost and access, and social) criteria that will be used to identify and evaluate locations that could potentially host the CE observatories.