Dr. Deborah Ferguson, The University of Rhode Island

Title: Using Numerical Relativity for Gravitational-Wave Astronomy

Abstract: Ten years ago, the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory detected gravitational waves from merging black holes for the first time. In the 10 years since, we've observed nearly 400 more binary mergers. This is only expected to improve as next-generation detectors, such as the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna, are already under development and promise even higher sensitivities. 

Detecting and characterizing these signals relies upon having a strong understanding of the expected gravitational waves from such systems. This understanding is provided by numerical relativity, which computationally solves Einstein's equations. In this talk we'll discuss the current and future state of gravitational-wave astronomy as well as how we use numerical relativity to enable such observations.