General Relativistic Astrophysics
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Southampton
Department Name: Sch of Mathematical Sciences
Abstract
The last year has seen a string of outstanding successes in gravity and relativistic astrophysics. The breakthrough detection of gravitational waves from merging black holes provided a clear demonstration of the discovery potential of this new area of astronomy. As the sensitivity of gravitational-wave instruments improves, and a wider network of detectors come online, a broader range of sources is expected to be detected. Observations of the late stages of binary neutron star inspiral and merger are anticipated with particular excitement, especially since such events may have counterpart electromagnetic emission (e.g. short gamma-ray bursts).
As we enter the era of gravitational-wave astronomy in earnest, there are many reasons for enthusiasm. The LISA Pathfinder demonstration of technology readiness of the drag-free interferometry required for space-based instruments, followed by the ESA selection of the LISA project (due for launch in the 2030s), ensures that gravitational physics will continue to develop for (at least) the next two decades.
The main emphasis of gravitational-wave astronomy is on problems involving neutron stars and black holes. These fascinating and enigmatic objects involve truly inspirational science and represent unique laboratories for the exploration of the extremes of physics. Black-hole astrophysics impacts on a range of fundamental issues, from the nature of gravity to problems in cosmology, e.g., associated with structure formation in the early Universe. Meanwhile, neutron star observations allow us to probe the state of matter under extreme conditions, providing us with information which complements that gleaned from colliders like the LHC at CERN. The modelling of these highly relativistic systems involves a broad range of physics that is not accessible in the laboratory. As our observational capabilities improve, we are reaching the point where precise modelling is required both to interpret data and to facilitate the observations in the first place.
The proposed research represents a coherent programme aimed at exploring the astrophysics of black holes and neutron stars in order to improve our understanding of the fundamental laws of physics of the Universe and reveal how nature operates on scales where our current understanding breaks down, a theme that remains central to the STFC mission.
Neutron star modelling involves much complex physics and relates to a range of astrophysical phenomena, primarily probed by radio timing and X-ray timing and spectra. Neutron stars may also radiate detectable gravitational waves (through a variety of scenarios ranging from the supernova core-collapse in which they are born to the merger of binary systems). The challenge is to decode observed signals to "constrain" current theories, including the elusive equation of state for supranuclear matter. This proposal aims to improve our understanding of neutron stars, including their evolution and dynamics and how they interact with their environment.
Black holes interact with their environment in a complex fashion. The modelling of this interaction provides a serious challenge. In particular, we need a precise description of the gravitational radiation-reaction-driven inspiral and eventual coalescence of binary systems. This problem is central for ongoing and future gravitational-wave searches. The gravitational capture of compact objects by massive black holes in galactic nuclei is particularly relevant for space-borne instruments like LISA, as the signal encodes information that allows high-precision tests of general relativity and precision studies of massive black-hole physics. A central objective for the proposed research is to model the inspiral dynamics in binary sources detectable by current ground-based and future space-based observatories.
As we enter the era of gravitational-wave astronomy in earnest, there are many reasons for enthusiasm. The LISA Pathfinder demonstration of technology readiness of the drag-free interferometry required for space-based instruments, followed by the ESA selection of the LISA project (due for launch in the 2030s), ensures that gravitational physics will continue to develop for (at least) the next two decades.
The main emphasis of gravitational-wave astronomy is on problems involving neutron stars and black holes. These fascinating and enigmatic objects involve truly inspirational science and represent unique laboratories for the exploration of the extremes of physics. Black-hole astrophysics impacts on a range of fundamental issues, from the nature of gravity to problems in cosmology, e.g., associated with structure formation in the early Universe. Meanwhile, neutron star observations allow us to probe the state of matter under extreme conditions, providing us with information which complements that gleaned from colliders like the LHC at CERN. The modelling of these highly relativistic systems involves a broad range of physics that is not accessible in the laboratory. As our observational capabilities improve, we are reaching the point where precise modelling is required both to interpret data and to facilitate the observations in the first place.
The proposed research represents a coherent programme aimed at exploring the astrophysics of black holes and neutron stars in order to improve our understanding of the fundamental laws of physics of the Universe and reveal how nature operates on scales where our current understanding breaks down, a theme that remains central to the STFC mission.
Neutron star modelling involves much complex physics and relates to a range of astrophysical phenomena, primarily probed by radio timing and X-ray timing and spectra. Neutron stars may also radiate detectable gravitational waves (through a variety of scenarios ranging from the supernova core-collapse in which they are born to the merger of binary systems). The challenge is to decode observed signals to "constrain" current theories, including the elusive equation of state for supranuclear matter. This proposal aims to improve our understanding of neutron stars, including their evolution and dynamics and how they interact with their environment.
Black holes interact with their environment in a complex fashion. The modelling of this interaction provides a serious challenge. In particular, we need a precise description of the gravitational radiation-reaction-driven inspiral and eventual coalescence of binary systems. This problem is central for ongoing and future gravitational-wave searches. The gravitational capture of compact objects by massive black holes in galactic nuclei is particularly relevant for space-borne instruments like LISA, as the signal encodes information that allows high-precision tests of general relativity and precision studies of massive black-hole physics. A central objective for the proposed research is to model the inspiral dynamics in binary sources detectable by current ground-based and future space-based observatories.
Planned Impact
This summary identifies some of the routes by which our astrophysics research programme will impact upon the wider world, including the general public, other scientific disciplines, and the technology sector.
COMMUNICATIONS AND ENGAGEMENT: The Southampton Gravity group has a consistent track record of engaging with the public to communicate the latest and most exciting aspects of its research. These have included public talks, lectures to school students, coordination of a Royal Society Summer Exhibition and contact with Members of Parliament. The Group plans to enhance this activity, with STFC-funded researchers playing a leading role in exploring new dissemination outlets, including the construction of interview/video clips for electronic circulation. The most exciting research advances will be promoted via the University Press office, whose help in publicising recent breakthroughs played a role in several articles on Southampton research appearing in the press, including in National Geographic, New Scientist and national newspapers.
COLLABORATION: The richness of the physics needed to model compact objects naturally leads to the possibility of developing collaborations with traditionally disparate scientific disciplines. In particular, there is scope for collaboration with experts in low-temperature physics, whose knowledge of condensed matter many prove invaluable in understanding neutron star interiors. Equally exciting is the possibility of exploiting links between the black hole inspiral problem and the problem of nonlinear electromagnetic pulse propagation in an optical fibre. We intend to explore these exciting overlaps, by organising focused study groups to explore the key issues.
EXPLOITATION AND APPLICATION: The theoretical work of the group is intimately linked to several large experimental efforts, whose innovative technological development impacts on industry, with spin-offs including satellite stabilisation systems, seismic isolation, the construction of large vacuum cavities, and laser stabilisation. As well as providing motivation for these efforts, the theoretical modelling of the group is crucial in making informed decisions as to how changes in expenditure and project duration impact on science capabilities.
CAPABILITY AND RESOURCE: We are rapidly approaching an era of precision astronomy, with new electromagnetic and gravitational experimental projects under rapid development. The young researchers that the group plans to recruit will receive training in exploiting these opportunities that few other groups could provide. Several previous group researchers have already secured prestigious academic appointments (e.g. in Cambridge, Amsterdam and Warsaw). Beyond the world of academia, the skill sets that the researchers would acquire would also equip them to play important roles in the wider community, as is reflected in the success of previous members in gaining attractive jobs in industry. The University's Doctoral College helps systematize this training, and enables the group to continue to produce well-rounded researchers with skills well suited to demands of the 21st Century economy and academia.
COMMUNICATIONS AND ENGAGEMENT: The Southampton Gravity group has a consistent track record of engaging with the public to communicate the latest and most exciting aspects of its research. These have included public talks, lectures to school students, coordination of a Royal Society Summer Exhibition and contact with Members of Parliament. The Group plans to enhance this activity, with STFC-funded researchers playing a leading role in exploring new dissemination outlets, including the construction of interview/video clips for electronic circulation. The most exciting research advances will be promoted via the University Press office, whose help in publicising recent breakthroughs played a role in several articles on Southampton research appearing in the press, including in National Geographic, New Scientist and national newspapers.
COLLABORATION: The richness of the physics needed to model compact objects naturally leads to the possibility of developing collaborations with traditionally disparate scientific disciplines. In particular, there is scope for collaboration with experts in low-temperature physics, whose knowledge of condensed matter many prove invaluable in understanding neutron star interiors. Equally exciting is the possibility of exploiting links between the black hole inspiral problem and the problem of nonlinear electromagnetic pulse propagation in an optical fibre. We intend to explore these exciting overlaps, by organising focused study groups to explore the key issues.
EXPLOITATION AND APPLICATION: The theoretical work of the group is intimately linked to several large experimental efforts, whose innovative technological development impacts on industry, with spin-offs including satellite stabilisation systems, seismic isolation, the construction of large vacuum cavities, and laser stabilisation. As well as providing motivation for these efforts, the theoretical modelling of the group is crucial in making informed decisions as to how changes in expenditure and project duration impact on science capabilities.
CAPABILITY AND RESOURCE: We are rapidly approaching an era of precision astronomy, with new electromagnetic and gravitational experimental projects under rapid development. The young researchers that the group plans to recruit will receive training in exploiting these opportunities that few other groups could provide. Several previous group researchers have already secured prestigious academic appointments (e.g. in Cambridge, Amsterdam and Warsaw). Beyond the world of academia, the skill sets that the researchers would acquire would also equip them to play important roles in the wider community, as is reflected in the success of previous members in gaining attractive jobs in industry. The University's Doctoral College helps systematize this training, and enables the group to continue to produce well-rounded researchers with skills well suited to demands of the 21st Century economy and academia.
Organisations
- University of Southampton (Lead Research Organisation)
- Max Planck Society (Collaboration)
- California Institute of Technology (Collaboration)
- Indian Initiative in Gravitational-wave Observations (Collaboration)
- University of Lisbon (Collaboration)
- UNIVERSITY OF GLASGOW (Collaboration)
- Cardiff University (Collaboration)
- University of Portsmouth (Collaboration)
- UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM (Collaboration)
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Collaboration)
Publications
Abbott B
(2019)
Search for Transient Gravitational-wave Signals Associated with Magnetar Bursts during Advanced LIGO's Second Observing Run
in The Astrophysical Journal
Jones D
(2019)
The early life of millisecond magnetars
Abbott BP
(2019)
Search for Subsolar Mass Ultracompact Binaries in Advanced LIGO's Second Observing Run.
in Physical review letters
Collaboration T
(2019)
Search for transient gravitational wave signals associated with magnetar bursts during Advanced LIGO's second observing run
in arXiv e-prints
Brown R
(2019)
Modelling the observable behaviour of SXP 5.05
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Buckley D
(2019)
Targeted search for young radio pulsars in the SMC: discovery of two new pulsars
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Ho W
(2019)
XMM-Newton Detection and Spectrum of the Second Fastest Spinning Pulsar PSR J0952-0607
in The Astrophysical Journal
Andersson Nils
(2019)
Gravitational-Wave Astronomy: Exploring the Dark Side of the Universe
in Gravitational-Wave Astronomy: Exploring the Dark Side of the Universe
Abbott B
(2019)
Search for Gravitational-wave Signals Associated with Gamma-Ray Bursts during the Second Observing Run of Advanced LIGO and Advanced Virgo
in The Astrophysical Journal
Gittins F
(2019)
Population synthesis of accreting neutron stars emitting gravitational waves
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Guver T.
(2019)
NICER follow-up observation of the transient magnetar XTE J1810-197
in The Astronomer's Telegram
Harpole A
(2019)
pyro: a framework for hydrodynamics explorations and prototyping
in Journal of Open Source Software
Abbott B
(2019)
Narrow-band search for gravitational waves from known pulsars using the second LIGO observing run
in Physical Review D
Collaboration T
(2019)
Search for intermediate mass black hole binaries in the first and second observing runs of the Advanced LIGO and Virgo network
in arXiv e-prints
Collaboration T
(2019)
Model comparison from LIGO-Virgo data on GW170817's binary components and consequences for the merger remnant
in arXiv e-prints
Abbott B
(2019)
Search for gravitational waves from Scorpius X-1 in the second Advanced LIGO observing run with an improved hidden Markov model
in Physical Review D
Wright A
(2019)
Resistive and Multi-fluid RMHD on Graphics Processing Units
in The Astrophysical Journal Supplement Series
Riley T
(2019)
A NICER View of PSR J0030+0451: Millisecond Pulsar Parameter Estimation
in The Astrophysical Journal
Ray Paul S.
(2019)
NICER observations of the Ultraluminous X-ray Pulsar NGC 300 ULX-1
in American Astronomical Society Meeting Abstracts #233
Ng C
(2019)
X-Ray and Radio Variabilities of PSR J2032+4127 near Periastron
in The Astrophysical Journal
Abbott B
(2019)
Low-latency Gravitational-wave Alerts for Multimessenger Astronomy during the Second Advanced LIGO and Virgo Observing Run
in The Astrophysical Journal
Bilous A
(2019)
A NICER View of PSR J0030+0451: Evidence for a Global-scale Multipolar Magnetic Field
in The Astrophysical Journal
Bogdanov S
(2019)
Constraining the Neutron Star Mass-Radius Relation and Dense Matter Equation of State with NICER . I. The Millisecond Pulsar X-Ray Data Set
in The Astrophysical Journal
Baibhav Vishal
(2019)
Probing the Nature of Black Holes: Deep in the mHz Gravitational-Wave Sky
in arXiv e-prints
Description | University research fellowship |
Amount | £217,724 (GBP) |
Funding ID | UF160110 |
Organisation | The Royal Society |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 10/2017 |
End | 09/2022 |
Description | GWverse COST |
Organisation | University of Lisbon |
Department | Instituto Superior Tecnico |
Country | Portugal |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Coordinator role for EU network of gravitational waves and fundamental physics |
Collaborator Contribution | Leadership and project coordination |
Impact | White paper setting out future strategy |
Start Year | 2018 |
Description | Gravitational-wave Excellence through Alliance Training (GrEAT) Network with China |
Organisation | University of Glasgow |
Department | Institute for Gravitational Research |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Consortium of UK gravitational-wave groups to provide training and public outreach in China. Soton co-leads on modelling and data analysis. Funded by SFTC as ST/R002770/1. |
Collaborator Contribution | The project also involves outreach and experimental aspect for both ground- and space-based interferometers. |
Impact | The collaborations is starting 2018 so is still in the set-up phase. |
Start Year | 2018 |
Description | LIGO-Virgo-Kagra Scientific collaboration |
Organisation | California Institute of Technology |
Country | United States |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Prof Ian Jones continues to be a member of the LIGO collaboration, particularly active in the continuous wave search group. |
Collaborator Contribution | The LIGO scientific collaboration is the umbrella organisation for the worldwide search for gravitational waves, the associated data analysis and interpretation of results. |
Impact | The collaboration publishes a large number of high-profile papers each year. |
Description | LIGO-Virgo-Kagra Scientific collaboration |
Organisation | Cardiff University |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Prof Ian Jones continues to be a member of the LIGO collaboration, particularly active in the continuous wave search group. |
Collaborator Contribution | The LIGO scientific collaboration is the umbrella organisation for the worldwide search for gravitational waves, the associated data analysis and interpretation of results. |
Impact | The collaboration publishes a large number of high-profile papers each year. |
Description | LIGO-Virgo-Kagra Scientific collaboration |
Organisation | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Country | United States |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Prof Ian Jones continues to be a member of the LIGO collaboration, particularly active in the continuous wave search group. |
Collaborator Contribution | The LIGO scientific collaboration is the umbrella organisation for the worldwide search for gravitational waves, the associated data analysis and interpretation of results. |
Impact | The collaboration publishes a large number of high-profile papers each year. |
Description | LIGO-Virgo-Kagra Scientific collaboration |
Organisation | University of Birmingham |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Prof Ian Jones continues to be a member of the LIGO collaboration, particularly active in the continuous wave search group. |
Collaborator Contribution | The LIGO scientific collaboration is the umbrella organisation for the worldwide search for gravitational waves, the associated data analysis and interpretation of results. |
Impact | The collaboration publishes a large number of high-profile papers each year. |
Description | LIGO-Virgo-Kagra Scientific collaboration |
Organisation | University of Birmingham |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Prof Ian Jones continues to be a member of the LIGO collaboration, particularly active in the continuous wave search group. |
Collaborator Contribution | The LIGO scientific collaboration is the umbrella organisation for the worldwide search for gravitational waves, the associated data analysis and interpretation of results. |
Impact | The collaboration publishes a large number of high-profile papers each year. |
Description | LISA Consortium |
Organisation | Max Planck Society |
Department | Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics |
Country | Germany |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Prof Leor Barack plays a leading role on the modelling of gravitational waves for the space based interferometer LISA and leads one of the working groups for the International Science Team. |
Collaborator Contribution | Developing the technology for a space based gravitational wave instrument, alongside data analysis algorithms and theory modelling. |
Impact | Successful LISA Pathfinder mission. |
Description | Newton STFC Capacity Building with LIGO-India |
Organisation | Indian Initiative in Gravitational-wave Observations |
Country | India |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
PI Contribution | Southampton are lead on modelling and outreach efforts in a collaboration between a consortium of UK gravitational wave groups and LIGO India. |
Collaborator Contribution | In the initial phase, provided a range of outreach material and contributed to the formation of the collaboration. |
Impact | Still at the set-up stage. |
Start Year | 2018 |
Description | Newton STFC Capacity Building with LIGO-India |
Organisation | University of Glasgow |
Department | Institute for Gravitational Research |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Southampton are lead on modelling and outreach efforts in a collaboration between a consortium of UK gravitational wave groups and LIGO India. |
Collaborator Contribution | In the initial phase, provided a range of outreach material and contributed to the formation of the collaboration. |
Impact | Still at the set-up stage. |
Start Year | 2018 |
Description | UKSA LISA Ground Segment support |
Organisation | University of Birmingham |
Department | School of Physics and Astronomy |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Develop theoretical waveforms for extreme-mass ratio binaries, a key science target for the LISA space interferometer. |
Collaborator Contribution | Core membership of LISA Science Group and co-lead (Barack) the Waveform work package. |
Impact | Various publications and reports. |
Start Year | 2021 |
Description | UKSA LISA Ground Segment support |
Organisation | University of Glasgow |
Department | Physics and Astronomy Department |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Develop theoretical waveforms for extreme-mass ratio binaries, a key science target for the LISA space interferometer. |
Collaborator Contribution | Core membership of LISA Science Group and co-lead (Barack) the Waveform work package. |
Impact | Various publications and reports. |
Start Year | 2021 |
Description | UKSA LISA Ground Segment support |
Organisation | University of Portsmouth |
Department | Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation (ICG) |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Develop theoretical waveforms for extreme-mass ratio binaries, a key science target for the LISA space interferometer. |
Collaborator Contribution | Core membership of LISA Science Group and co-lead (Barack) the Waveform work package. |
Impact | Various publications and reports. |
Start Year | 2021 |
Description | Einstein talk at IUCAA, India |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Talk given to general audience at IUCAA in One, India |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Lecture at astro-gr@cuba outreach event (Barack) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | Charity summer school to support Cuban students affected by western sanctions. May 2021 |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
URL | https://astro-gr.org/astro-gr-cuba-2021/ |
Description | Online talk (Schmitt) on Phases of QCD and applications to neutron stars, India, November 2021 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Undergraduate students |
Results and Impact | Online talk given to college in India |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
Description | Outreach talk Einstein's warped Universe (online) at Ghaziabad, India |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Undergraduate students |
Results and Impact | Talk on black holes (Andersson) given to over 300 undergraduate students and general public in India. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |