Speaker
Description
I will overview the multi-messenger signals of binary neutron star mergers, which for the first are now detectable via their gravitational wave emission. These signals include a thermal visual/infrared supernova-like transient ("kilonova") powered by the radioactive decay of heavy neutron-rich nuclei synthesized in the expanding merger ejecta; gamma-ray - and possibly high-energy neutrino - emission powered by outflows from the newly formed black hole remnant; and non-thermal emission across the electromagnetic spectra generated as the merger ejecta collides with the interstellar medium. Tentative hints have recently emerged for a new component of X-ray emission from LIGO/Virgo's first merger, GW170817, with potential implications for heavy nuclei cosmic ray acceleration in these events. Time permitting, I will highlight the potential diversity of multi-messenger signals expected from future mergers, particularly of the lowest mass binaries which may give birth to long-lived rapidly spinning magnetar remnants and "look" qualitatively different from GW170817.
| Subcategory | Review |
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