Maximizing the Probability of Detecting an Electromagnetic Counterpart of Gravitational-wave Events

Understand

Compact binary coalescences are a promising source of gravitational waves for second-generation interferometric gravitational-wave detectors such as advanced LIGO and advanced Virgo.

• These are among the most promising sources for joint detection of electromagnetic (EM) and gravitational-wave (GW) emission.
• To maximize the science performed with these objects, it is essential to undertake a followup observing strategy that maximizes the likelihood of detecting the EM counterpart.
• We present a follow-up strategy that maximizes the counterpart detection probability, given a fixed investment of telescope time.