Gravitational wave astronomy: a peek through the window

The direct detection of gravitational waves will offer a completely new window onto our Universe: one that is dominated by degenerate objects, black holes, explosions and mergers. Although this window is so far still obscured a glimpse of its richness can be seen from electromagnetic observations of gravitational wave sources. Dr. Groot will overview the progress in the fields of ultracompact binaries and the promise and results of synoptic surveys such the Kepler observations and the Palomar Transient Surveys. As an aside, and to connect to the SETI mission, Dr. Groot will briefly discuss the possibility of life on planets around white dwarfs as well.

Speaker: Paul Groot, Radboud University, Nijmegan, Netherlands