Princeton University Princeton Center for Theoretical Science (PCTS) Electromagnetic and Gravitational Workshop - Day 3

It is anticipated that within the next few years the first direct detection of gravitational waves will be made with advanced networks of ground based interferometers including LIGO and Virgo. Because some gravitational wave events may be accompanied by transient electromagnetic counterparts, coordination between electromagnetic and gravitational wave observers will be critical to maximize the scientific return from these discoveries. In addition, theoretical models and data analysis strategies must already be in place before the gravitational wave observatories observe first "light". With this in mind, we will be hosting this week-long workshop at the Princeton Center for Theoretical Science (PCTS) on April 30-May 4, 2012. The goal of the workshop will be to bring together a small group of researchers, including key members of the detector experiments, observational and theoretical astronomers, and numerical relativists, for an informal discussion of how to maximize the science from "multi-messenger" gravitational wave astronomy. The planned format is to intersperse a relatively sparse schedule of talks with panel-lead open discussions of the challenges facing different aspects of the endeavor (data analysis, source modeling, transient surveys, detector enhancements, etc) to further stimulate discussion. Program Organizers are Adam Burrows, Sean McWilliams, Brian Metzger, Frans Pretorius, David Spergel, Anatoly Spitkovsky, and Paul Steinhardt.