| Project Detail |
Improving neutron-star astrophysics and gravitational-wave astronomy
In 2017, the discovery of a merging binary neutron star, GW170817, marked a significant milestone in astronomy. Observed by both electromagnetic and gravitational-wave instruments, it provided new scientific insights and captured public attention. The emergence of gravitational-wave astronomy introduced a new dimension to observation, with future interferometers relying on meticulous design choices, advanced data analysis, and robust physical models. With the support of the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions programme, the DynTideEOS project aims to identify primary modes in the gravitational wave caused by the dynamical tide. This will extract valuable constraints on the nuclear-matter equation of state and pioneer a state-of-the-art gravitational-waveform model. The project will contribute to neutron-star astrophysics and gravitational-wave astronomy, while providing insights into nuclear physics.
The discovery of a merging binary neutron star in 2017, GW170817, marked an historic moment in the field of astronomy. This ground-breaking observation, witnessed by both electromagnetic- and gravitational-wave instruments, unveiled a wealth of scientific insights while capturing worldwide public attention.
Neutron stars, with their extraordinarily dense interiors, are Natures laboratory for dense nuclear matter, about which very little is currently known. While in the past, electromagnetic observatories have been the primary sources of neutron-star observations, the emergence of gravitational-wave astronomy, epitomised by GW170817, has introduced a novel dimension to the observational effort. The forthcoming generation of gravitational-wave interferometers will possess even greater sensitivities, but their scientific impact will rely on meticulous design choices, along with the development of advanced data-analysis methods and robust physical models. This proposal, DynTideEOS, will address these critical needs and contribute to the science capability of these instruments at a critical time for design decisions.
DynTideEOS considers the dynamical tide, which drives the oscillation modes of the neutron star when the binary is closely separated. This project will identify the dominant modes in the gravitational wave, extract valuable constraints on the nuclear-matter equation of state and pioneer a state-of-the-art gravitational-waveform model for the dynamical tide.
Dr Fabian Gittins, with his outstanding background in theoretical astrophysics, joins forces with Prof Chris van den Broeck, a world-leading expert in gravitational-wave observations at Utrecht University. DynTideEOS not only promises original contributions to neutron-star astrophysics and gravitational-wave astronomy, while setting the stage for rich insights into nuclear physics, but will also underscore Dr Gittinss research excellence with a strengthened connection to observational physics. |
