An Introduction to Gravitational Wave Astronomy

Presented by Matthew Benacquista, Center for Gravitational Wave Astronomy, University of Texas at Brownsville

The theory of general relativity predicts the existence of gravitational waves. Over the past few decades several instruments have been proposed that should be capable of detecting the gravitational waves emitted by astronomical objects. It is likely that one of these detectors will record the first direct observation of a gravitational wave within the next decade. The confidence in such an observation will be greatly enhanced if the event that gave rise to the gravitational wave can also be confirmed by other means such as electromagnetic, neutrino, or cosmic ray observations. In the future, gravitational waves will be one component of multi-messenger astronomy. I will discuss the emission and propagation of gravitational radiation, likely astronomical sources, and the prospects for detection in the near future.