765. WE-Heraeus-Seminar

25 Apr - 28 Apr 2022

Where: Physikzentrum Bad Honnef

Scientific organizers: Prof. Dr. Michèle Heurs, U Hannover • Dr. Frank Ohme, MPI für Gravitationsphysik, Hannover, Germany

After decades of designing, building and improving the most sensitive laser interferometers on Earth, the first direct detection of gravitational waves from a binary black hole merger in 2015 heralded the beginning of a new era of astronomy. Six years later, more than 50 gravitational-wave observations of binary black holes and binary neutron stars have been reported, and the focus has shifted – from proving that gravitational waves exist and can be detected, to advancing our understanding of the composition and evolution of the Universe.

Gravitational waves are the only way to access the dark side of the Universe that is invisible to other instruments. The large number and properties of the detected black hole binaries already challenge our understanding of their formation. Furthermore, other cataclysmic events like the merger of neutron stars emit gravitational waves and other “messengers,” such as electromagnetic radiation and neutrinos. In this new era of multimessenger astronomy, all information must be combined to unravel more secrets of the expanding Universe, matter at extreme densities, gamma-ray bursts and much more.

This workshop will bring together pioneers and experts of this new era and a new generation of astronomers who will use all available tools to advance the field in the future. Introductory talks will not only summarize the status quo, but also look into the future of instrumental developments, data analysis, astronomy and astrophysics.

In addition, tutorials will offer hands-on experience with these new types of data and software, and participants will have ample opportunity to discuss the future of a field that has just begun.

The conference language will be English. The Wilhelm and Else Heraeus-Foundation bears the cost of full-board accommodation for all participants.