Detection of gravitational waves

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the current state of gravitational wave detection, including the sensitivity of existing instruments like LIGO and future instruments such as LISA. Participants explore theoretical calculations of gravitational wave strengths, potential sources for detection, and the challenges associated with observing these phenomena.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants inquire about the sensitivity of current instruments like LIGO and the future LISA, questioning whether they can detect gravitational waves from identified sources.
  • There are discussions on theoretical calculations of expected gravitational wave strengths and how they compare to the sensitivities of LIGO and LISA.
  • Some participants suggest that while LIGO has placed upper limits on gravitational waves, there is confidence in the possibility of direct detection, albeit with challenges.
  • Concerns are raised about the conditions under which detectable gravitational waves are produced, particularly regarding the center of mass and the shape of the gravitational field during events like neutron star collisions.
  • Participants discuss the potential outcomes of neutron star mergers, including whether they would result in a neutron star or a black hole, and the implications for gravitational wave detection.
  • There is a mention of the distance effect on detectability, including energy loss and redshift, and how these factors might limit the observation of certain events.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views on the detectability of gravitational waves, with some asserting confidence in future detections while others highlight significant challenges. There is no consensus on the specific conditions required for detectable waves or the outcomes of neutron star mergers.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include uncertainties regarding the exact magnitudes of gravitational waves from various sources and the dependence on specific models of astrophysical events. The discussion also reflects varying levels of confidence in the capabilities of current and future detection instruments.

  • #31
Frame Dragger said:
Would a neutron star collapse to a BH through accretion produce detectable waves?
I think that would depend upon how far away it would be. I honestly don't know how far away we could detect such events.
 
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  • #32
Chalnoth said:
I think that would depend upon how far away it would be. I honestly don't know how far away we could detect such events.

Well, maybe we'll all get lucky. Stranger things have happened... Maybe there are two 100x or more stellar mass BH's a 10 ly or so away about to merge perfectly perpendicular to the plane of LIGO! Fingers crossed everyone!

Hey, maybe this is the 2012 issue those lunatics go on about. We'll get full confirmation of GR/QM, then immidiately be accreted. :smile:
 
  • #33
Frame Dragger said:
Well, maybe we'll all get lucky. Stranger things have happened... Maybe there are two 100x or more stellar mass BH's a 10 ly or so away about to merge perfectly perpendicular to the plane of LIGO! Fingers crossed everyone!

Hey, maybe this is the 2012 issue those lunatics go on about. We'll get full confirmation of GR/QM, then immidiately be accreted. :smile:

LOL Now that is an end of the world I would buy tickets for. I'd just hope we get slung into deep space... a literal spaceship earth.
 

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