Localization and broadband follow-up of the gravitational-wave transient GW150914

Document #:

LIGO-P1500227-v12

Document type:

P - Publications

Abstract:

A gravitational-wave (GW) transient was identified in data recorded by the Advanced Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO) detectors on 2015 September 14. The event, initially designated G184098 and later given the name GW150914, is described in detail elsewhere. By prior arrangement, preliminary estimates of the time, significance, and sky location of the event were shared with 63 teams of observers covering radio, optical, near-infrared, X-ray, and gamma-ray wavelengths with ground- and space-based facilities. In this Letter we describe the low-latency analysis of the GW data and present the sky localization of the first observed compact binary merger. We summarize the follow-up observations reported by 25 teams via private Gamma-ray Coordinates Network circulars, giving an overview of the participating facilities, the GW sky localization coverage, the timeline and depth of the observations. As this event turned out to be a binary black hole merger, there is little expectation of a detectable electromagnetic (EM) signature. Nevertheless, this first broadband campaign to search for a counterpart of an Advanced LIGO source represents a milestone and highlights the broad capabilities of the transient astronomy community and the observing strategies that have been developed to pursue neutron star binary merger events. Detailed investigations of the EM data and results of the EM follow-up campaign are being disseminated in papers by the individual teams.

Files in Document:

• Main manuscript (GW150914_localization_and_followup.pdf, 2.0 MB)

Other Files:

• BAYESTAR sky map (GCN 18858) FITS file (bayestar_gstlal_C01.fits.gz, 90.0 kB)
• BAYESTAR sky map (GCN 18858) Mollweide projection plot (bayestar_gstlal_C01.pdf, 74.4 kB)
• Fig. 1: Timeline of observations (timeline.pdf, 221.4 kB)
• Fig. 2: LIGO/Virgo sky maps (contours.pdf, 483.6 kB)
• Fig. 3: Footprints of follow-up observations (tiles.pdf, 1.1 MB)
• LALInference sky map (GCN 18858) FITS file (LALInference_skymap.fits.gz, 191.5 kB)
• LALInference sky map (GCN 18858) Mollweide projection plot (LALInference_skymap.pdf, 78.4 kB)
• LIB sky map (GCN 18330) FITS file (LIB_skymap.fits.gz, 2.6 MB)
• LIB sky map (GCN 18330) Mollweide projection plot (LIB_skymap.pdf, 79.5 kB)
• cWB sky map (GCN 18330) FITS file (skyprobcc_cWB_complete.fits.gz, 733.2 kB)
• cWB sky map (GCN 18330) Mollweide projection plot (skyprobcc_cWB_complete.pdf, 75.0 kB)

Topics:

• External Collaboration
• Compact Binaries
• Astrophysics / Multi-messenger
• GW Bursts

Author Groups:

• LVC

Keywords:

ER8 O1 EM follow-up detection G184098 GW150914 multimessenger

Notes and Changes:

Preprint version of published article

Related Documents:

• LIGO-P1600137: Supplement: Localization and broadband follow-up of the gravitational-wave transient GW150914

Referenced by:

• LIGO-P1600137-v2: Supplement: Localization and broadband follow-up of the gravitational-wave transient GW150914

Journal References:

Published in ApJ Letters vol. 826 pg. L13.

Publication Information:

https://arxiv.org/abs/1602.08492
http://dx.doi.org/10.3847/2041-8205/826/1/L13