GW Astrophysics

What are we looking for?

Modulation from Spins

If the compact objects are spinning the smooth chirp signal we saw previously gets modulated. Here is the full detectable signal for the Binary Black system described above, which shows the chirp signal increasing in amplitude until merger.

The GW signal from non-spinning Black Holes

Now see the difference if the two Black Holes have high spins, which is predicted to be a common occurrence.

The GW signal from spinning Black Holes

Next: Location of the Source