The double neutron star merger GW170817 was the fifth source of gravitational waves ever recorded and the first one to also be detected electromagnetically. This event was a milestone in the history of modern astronomy, and opened a new era of multi-messenger astronomy.

Double neutron star mergers are unlikely to be the only source of both gravitational and electromagnetic waves that we can detect with current and future instrumentation. Supernovae are another likely source.

Rapid electromagnetic (EM) follow-up of gravitational events is critical, as the EM signals of some events are short-lived. Observations in the first few hours of the event are important, as the EM signal in these first few hours contains information on the nature of the progenitor that cannot be obtained in other ways.

The ANU 2.3-metre and SkyMapper telescopes took part in the follow-up of the first gravitational wave source to be detected. Both telescopes are robotic and can respond to alerts in minutes. They will soon be joined by DREAMS. Work to connect these and other telescopes into a gravitational wave follow-up machine is currently underway.

Lead Researcher:

Prof. Susan Scott

Office Phone: +61 2 612 50347

Email: susan.scott@anu.edu.au