The Astrophysics of Gravitational Wave Sources (AIP Conference Proceedings / Astronomy and Astrophysics)

As the 21st century begins, gravitational wave astronomy is poised to open a new observational window on the universe. Ground-based kilometer-scale interferometers, such as LIGO, VIRGO, and GEO600, will observe high frequency gravitational radiation, while the space-based LISA detector will probe the low frequency regime. Taken together, these gravitational wave detectors will provide an unprecedented look at astrophysical systems that have previously been viewed almost exclusively through electromagnetic "eyes".

This workshop focused on the astrophysics of anticipated gravitational wave sources and the scenarios that surround them. The papers encompass theoretical studies as well as observations of associated electromagnetic or particle signatures and emphasize issues that need to be clarified for a better astrophysical understanding of these sources.

Topics include: overview of gravitational wave astrophysics, astrophysical collapses and bursts, gamma ray bursts and neutron stars, gravitational captures, intermediate mass black holes, massive black holes, massive black hole binary mergers, gravitational waves and binary stars, gravitational wave detection, as well as conference summaries.