Series: Astronomy Colloquium
Date: Wednesday 29-Apr-2020
Time: 16:00-17:00 (4:00-5:00 pm)
Location: Online Zoom Only: Contact Andy Harris for URL
Speaker: Dr. Peter Shawhan (UMD)
Title: A Tale of Two GW Events: First Published Results from the LIGO-Virgo O3 Run
The LIGO and Virgo gravitational-wave observatories have collected nearly a year of data with better sensitivity than ever before during the recent O3 observing run. Dozens of binary merger candidates were identified in near-real-time and shared with astronomers promptly, although no clear counterparts have been identified in this run. LIGO-Virgo collaboration members are currently re-analyzing the data to confirm and fully characterize most of those candidates and to search for other gravitational-wave signals in the data. So far, final analysis results are available for two events: GW190425, a binary neutron star merger with a total mass of about 3.4 solar masses; and GW190412, the first binary black hole merger confirmed to have distinctly different masses, estimated at 30 and 8 solar masses. I will discuss what we have learned from these two very interesting events.
Colloquia are usually preceded by espresso and ice cream at 1:45 pm outside room PSC 1150 and are followed by an informal reception at 5:15 pm in that room. Anyone interested in talking with the speaker, or being added to the colloquium announcement email list, should contact the colloquium organizer. Lunch will normally be reserved for the speaker to talk to graduate students. Anyone asking a question during a talk is asked to raise their hand and be acknowledged before speaking.
Colloquium Organizer:
Prof. Richard Mushotzy
Special accommodations for individuals with disabilities can be made by calling (301) 405-3001. It would be appreciated if we are notified at least one week in advance.
