Harnessing Computational Frameworks for Enhanced Gravitational Wave Follow-Up of Gamma-Ray Bursts

NSF Award Search · 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT · $150,000 · view on nsf.gov ↗

Abstract

For most of human history, astronomers have used light to study the cosmos. However, the discovery of gravitational waves by LIGO in 2015 has added a transformative new dimension to this pursuit, heralding a new era of multi-messenger astronomy. This approach combines observations made with gravitational waves and those made with light to provide more comprehensive insights into cosmic events than either messenger could yield on its own. The study of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) in particular, which are highly energetic stellar death events, stands to gain immensely from this multifaceted approach as evidenced by the groundbreaking detection of the binary neutron star merger GW170817 and its association with GRB 170817A. This joint observation, which involved over seventy observatories spread across the globe and in space, demonstrated that at least some GRBs arise from the merger of two neutron stars. It also constrained the universe's expansion rate, tested the speed of gravity against the speed of light, contributed to identifying the source of heavy elements in the universe, and refined the neutron star equation of state. This project aims to further advance such multi-messenger studies of GRBs across a variety of observational timescales. The gravitational wave analyses of GRBs funded by this award will improve existing analysis pipelines across all observational timescales and develop novel search techniques targeting post-GRB remnant emission. Real-time searches in medi

Key facts

NSF award ID
2512922
Awardee
University of Rhode Island (RI)
SAM.gov UEI
CJDNG9D14MW7
PI
Robert R Coyne
Primary program
01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
All programs
Windows on the Universe (WoU), EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES
Estimated total
$150,000
Funds obligated
$150,000
Transaction type
Standard Grant
Period
07/15/2025 → 06/30/2028