Lighthouses of Gravitational Wave Astronomy

TL;DR

This paper discusses the upcoming capabilities of gravitational wave detectors, especially LISA, to observe binary systems and measure cosmological parameters with high precision, complementing electromagnetic observations.

Contribution

It highlights the potential of future gravitational wave observatories to measure cosmological parameters and understand star formation history using binary systems as standard candles.

Findings

LISA can identify the epoch of star formation.

Gravitational wave observations can measure the Hubble flow at high redshifts.

Binary systems serve as standard candles for cosmology.

Abstract

Gravitational wave detectors capable of making astronomical observations could begin to operate within the next year, and over the next 10 years they will extend their reach out to cosmological distances, culminating in the space mission LISA. A prime target of these observatories will be binary systems, especially those whose orbits shrink measurably during an observation period. These systems are standard candles, and they offer independent ways of measuring cosmological parameters. LISA in particular could identify the epoch at which star formation began and, working with telescopes making electromagnetic observations, measure the Hubble flow at redshifts out to 4 or more with unprecedented accuracy.