Imagining the future: Gravitational wave astronomy

Lee Samuel Finn

December 03, 2012

–

Abstract: Much has been made of the benefits that will accrue to the astronomer through the detection of gravitational waves. In reality, however, “detection” does nothing more then present the astronomer with a new capability. Building, from that capability, a new tool of astronomical discovery will require the creation of new paradigms for thinking about gravitational waves; re-imagining gravitational wave detectors as telescopes that can be built and configured to serve an astronomers purpose; and developing new strategies for relating observations to target science. In this seminar I will discuss recent efforts in my group to imagine a future “gravitational wave astronomy” and map the steps required to realize that vision.