Speaker: Devin Walker (Dartmouth)

Host: Srimoyee Sen

Title: New Directions in (Multi-Messenger) Gravitational Wave Astronomy

Abstract: The first direct detection of gravitational waves (in 2015) inaugurated a new era of astronomy, fundamentally reshaping the way we observe the dynamic Universe.  Traditional electromagnetic wave astronomy has been supplemented with gravitational wave astronomy.  In this colloquium, I will review the current and near future capabilities of the gravitational‑wave observatories and the physics and cosmology that will be probed.  I will then discuss how cross‑fertilization with basic particle physics techniques is opening fresh avenues for multi‑messenger astronomy.   These tools not only provide the possibility for coordination with traditional astronomy techniques but also new avenues for searching for axion dark matter.