Distortion of Gravitational-wave Signals by Astrophysical Environments

Understand

Many objects discovered by LIGO and Virgo are peculiar because they fall in a mass range which in the past was considered unpopulated by compact object.

• Given the significance of the astrophysical implications, it is important to first understand how their masses are measured from gravitational-wave signals.
• How accurate is the measurement? Are there elements missing in our current model which may result in a bias? This chapter is dedicated to these questions.
• In particular, we will highlight several astrophysical factors which are not included in the standard model of GW sources but could result in a significant bias in the estimation of the mass.