Data: 16.01.2024

Malgorzata Curylo (PhD candidate, OAUW)

Multi-messenger studies of massive black hole binaries

Streszczenie:
Our current understanding of cosmological evolution of galaxies and massive black holes (MBHs) is limited mainly by paucity of high redshift observations and a myriad of processes involved. It is widely believed that the only way to better constrain our models is to combine information encoded in electromagnetic (EM) and gravitational wave (GW) observations, i.e. via multi-messenger studies.

MBH binaries are prime sources of low frequency GWs which will be probed by LISA and Pulsar Timing Arrays (PTA). In fact, latest results from PTAs already show the detection of a signal consistent with the background of the GWs. Together with potentially numerous EM counterparts produced at a wide range of timescales, these two GW detectors will offer an unprecedented access to all evolutionary stages of both galaxies and their central MBHs.

I will present the results of our analysis of a set of massive black hole binary populations generated with a semi-analytic model of galaxy formation and evolution. In particular, I will discuss the binary formation mechanisms, their dependence on local galactic environments and implications for emission of low-frequency GWs and potential electromagnetic counterparts.