Identification and follow up of electromagnetic counterparts of gravitational wave candidate events
The LIGO Scientific Collaboration (LSC) and the Virgo Collaboration currently plan to start taking data in 2015, and we expect the sensitivity of the network to improve over time. Gravitational-wave transient candidates will be identified promptly upon acquisition of the data; we aim for distributing information with an initial latency of a few tens of minutes initially, possibly improving later. The LSC and the Virgo Collaboration (LVC) wish to enable multi-messenger observations of astrophysical events by GW detectors along with a wide range of telescopes and instruments of mainstream astronomy.
In 2012, the LVC approved a statement (LSC, Virgo) that broadly outlines LVC policy on releasing GW triggers (partially-validated event candidates). Initially, triggers will be shared promptly only with astronomy partners who have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with LVC involving an agreement on deliverables, publication policies, confidentiality, and reporting. After four GW events have been published, further event candidates with high confidence will be shared immediately with the entire astronomy community (and the public), while lower-significance candidates will continue to be shared promptly only with partners who have signed an MoU.
From June to October 2013, we organized rounds of consultations with groups of astronomers that have expressed interest in the GW-EM follow-up program. Thanks to these consultations, we could define the framework and guiding rules for this program that are detailed here and collected into a standard MoU template.
An open call for proposals to sign the standard MoU with LVC was issued in December 16, 2013. About sixty groups of professional astronomers and agencies have signed an MoU with LVC.
Second open call for participation in GW-EM follow-up program.
The second open call for proposals to sign the standard MoU with LVC has been issued on December 8, 2014 with deadline February 16, 2015. This call is open to all professional astronomers with demonstrated experience, and requires a partner to bring useful observing resource(s), not just astronomy expertise, to participate. GW triggers will be sent to these groups in the course of next science runs circa 2015-2017 ( arXiv:1304.0670, LIGO-P1200087, VIR-0288A-12).
To apply, please fill the application form available here and send it to emf@ligo.org. Once done, fill and submit the online form below. You should receive a confirmation message and a reply within a few days.