Speaker:  Lee Samuel Finn, Center for Gravitational Wave Physics, The Pennsylvania State University

Title:   Gravitational Wave Observations of Inspiraling Neutron Star and Black Hole Binary Systems in the Local Universe

Abstract:   Gravitational waves are to gravity as are, e.g., radio waves to electromagnetism. Gravitational waves will be associated with cosmic events, such as the inspiral and coalescence of binary systems of compact objects like neutron stars and black holes. Just now coming on-line is the first generation of gravitational wave detectors with great enough sensitivity to detect the radiation from cosmic sources like these. We are thus at the cusp of a new era - the era of "gravitational wave astronomy" - where gravitational wave observations will help us learn about the cosmos. In this talk we will discuss the sensitivity of the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO) to coalescing compact binaries and how LIGO observations will teach us about how these systems formed and evolved.

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