Review: Neutron Star Mergers as Multi-Messenger Sources

Discussion timeslot (ZOOM-Meeting): 19. July 2021 - 14:00
ZOOM-Meeting URL: https://desy.zoom.us/j/92846730262
ZOOM-Meeting ID: 92846730262
ZOOM-Meeting Passcode: ICRC2021
Corresponding Session: https://icrc2021-venue.desy.de/channel/Plenary-Review-04/102
Live-Stream URL: https://icrc2021-venue.desy.de/livestream/Plenary-01/1

Abstract:
I will overview the multi-messenger signals of binary neutron star mergers, which for the first are now detectable via their gravitational wave emission. These signals include a thermal visual/infrared supernova-like transient ("kilonova") powered by the radioactive decay of heavy neutron-rich nuclei synthesized in the expanding merger ejecta, gamma-ray - and possibly high-energy neutrino - emission powered by outflows from the newly formed black hole remnant, and non-thermal emission across the electromagnetic spectra generated as the merger ejecta collides with the interstellar medium. Tentative hints have recently emerged for a new component of X-ray emission from LIGO/Virgo's first merger, GW170817, with potential implications for heavy nuclei cosmic ray acceleration in these events. Time permitting, I will highlight the potential diversity of multi-messenger signals expected from future mergers, particularly of the lowest mass binaries which may give birth to long-lived rapidly spinning magnetar remnants and "look" qualitatively different from GW170817.'

Authors: Brian Metzger
Indico-ID: 1469
Proceeding URL: https://pos.sissa.it/395/035