New Study Highlights Need for Gravitational Wave Observatories in the Southern Hemisphere
The field of gravitational wave astronomy is rapidly expanding, with more observatories dedicated to detecting these elusive cosmic ripples. However, a recent study published on the arXiv reveals a significant bias towards the Northern Hemisphere, resulting in missed gravitational events. The article argues that establishing observatories in the Southern Hemisphere would not only provide a more comprehensive global participation but also yield a wealth of observational data.
Drawing a parallel to the early days of large optical telescopes, the study highlights the cultural bias towards the Northern Hemisphere in gravitational wave observatories. Currently, all active gravitational wave observatories are located in the North, leading to a dearth of data from the Southern sky. This is particularly significant as the dense central region of our galaxy resides in the Southern sky, making it an essential area for observation.
To address this bias, experts suggest building a gravitational wave observatory in the Southern Hemisphere, such as in Australia. The addition of a LIGO-like observatory Down Under could potentially double the number of gravitational events detected, from the current average of three to over six. This increase in detection rate would allow for multi-messenger astronomy, where gravitational events could be studied in conjunction with other astronomical phenomena.
Looking ahead, advancements in gravitational wave detectors are anticipated, including the third-generation advanced detectors with longer arms ranging from 20 to 40 kilometers. These advanced detectors, such as Cosmic Explorer and the Einstein Telescope, would greatly benefit from an observatory in Australia. Such a location would provide a significant advantage, ensuring higher detection rates even during downtimes or maintenance periods.
While the dream of having detectors all over the world and in space is not far off, the study emphasizes the importance of establishing gravitational wave observatories in the Southern Hemisphere sooner rather than later. The inclusion of the global south in this field of astronomy would not only broaden participation but also bring new perspectives and crucial data to further our understanding of the Universe.
Reference:
Gardner, James W., et al. “Multi-messenger astronomy with a Southern-Hemisphere gravitational-wave observatory.” arXiv preprint arXiv:2308.13103 (2023).
