Understand
We explore the properties of test-particle orbits in "bumpy" spacetimes - stationary, reflection-symmetric, asymptotically flat solutions of Einstein equations that have a non-Kerr (anomalous) higher-order multipole-moment structure but can be tuned arbitrarily close to the Kerr metric.
- Future detectors should observe gravitational waves generated during inspirals of compact objects into supermassive central bodies.
- If the central body deviates from the Kerr metric, this will manifest itself in the emitted waves.
- Here, we explore some of the features of orbits in non-Kerr spacetimes that might lead to observable signatures.
Reading the bibliography…