Article

Optimizing multitelescope observations of gravitational-wave counterparts

M. W. CoughlinDivision of Physics, Mathematics, and Astronomy, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USAS. AntierAPC, UMR 7164, 10 rue Alice Domon et Léonie Duquet, F-75205 Paris, FranceD. CorreLAL, Univ Paris-Sud, CNRS/IN2P3, Bâtiment 200, 91440 Orsay, FranceKhalid AlqassimiAmerican University of Sharjah, Physics Department, PO Box 26666, Sharjah, UAEShreya AnandDivision of Physics, Mathematics, and Astronomy, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USAN. ChristensenArtemis, Université Côte d’Azur, Observatoire Côte d’Azur, CNRS, CS 34229, F-06304 Nice Cedex 4, FranceD. A. CoulterDepartment of Astronomy and Astrophysics, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USAR. J. FoleyDepartment of Astronomy and Astrophysics, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USANidhal GuessoumAmerican University of Sharjah, Physics Department, PO Box 26666, Sharjah, UAETimothy M. MikulskiCarleton College, Northfield, MN 55057, USAMouza Al MuallaAmerican University of Sharjah, Physics Department, PO Box 26666, Sharjah, UAEDraco ReedDepartment of Astronomy and Astrophysics, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USADuo TaoDivision of Physics, Mathematics, and Astronomy, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA

2019en

ABI

Abstract

ABSTRACT The ever-increasing sensitivity of the network of gravitational-wave detectors has resulted in the accelerated rate of detections from compact binary coalescence systems in the third observing run of Advanced LIGO and Advanced Virgo. Not only has the event rate increased, but also the distances to which phenomena can be detected, leading to a rise in the required sky volume coverage to search for counterparts. Additionally, the improvement of the detectors has resulted in the discovery of more compact binary mergers involving neutron stars, revitalizing dedicated follow-up campaigns. While significant effort has been made by the community to optimize single telescope observations, using both synoptic and galaxy-targeting methods, less effort has been paid to coordinated observations in a network. This is becoming crucial, as the advent of gravitational-wave astronomy has garnered interest around the globe, resulting in abundant networks of telescopes available to search for counterparts. In this paper, we extend some of the techniques developed for single telescopes to a telescope network. We describe simple modifications to these algorithms and demonstrate them on existing network examples. These algorithms are implemented in the open-source software gwemopt, used by some follow-up teams, for ease of use by the broader community.

Identifiers

DOI: 10.1093/mnras/stz2485

Citations and references

Cited by 20 references

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