Triangulation of gravitational wave sources with a network of detectors

Understand

There is significant benefit to be gained by pursuing multi-messenger astronomy with gravitational wave and electromagnetic observations.

• In order to undertake electromagnetic follow-ups of gravitational wave signals, it will be necessary to accurately localize them in the sky.
• Since gravitational wave detectors are not inherently pointing instruments, localization will occur primarily through triangulation with a network of detectors.
• We investigate the expected timing accuracy for observed signals and the consequences for localization.