Nevada Multi-Messenger Astrophysics

The last decade ushered in the multi-messenger era of astrophysics. In addition to the electromagnetic signals astronomers have been using for centuries, newly detected gravitational waves and high-energy neutrinos have opened new windows to study the universe. We propose to conduct a comprehensive multi-messenger, multi-wavelength study of several of the most energetic high-energy transient phenomena in the universe, including coalescences of binary compact objects (black holes [BHs] and neutron stars [NSs]), gamma-ray bursts (GRBs), active galactic nuclei (AGNs) and supermassive black holes, and black hole X-ray binaries in the Milky Way Galaxy. The project will make use of broad-band electromagnetic data from telescopes in all wavelengths, including three current and upcoming NASA missions, Swift, Fermi/GBM, and StarBurst, as well as the gravitational wave data from the LIGO/Virgo/KAGRA (LVK) detectors and the neutrino data from the IceCube Neutrino Observatory. To meet project goals, we will combine data analysis, theoretical modeling and numerical simulations to address several fundamental questions in contemporary astrophysics: 1. How do black holes of various scales form and what are the formation channels of gravitational wave sources? 2. How do black holes of various scales launch relativistic jets, accelerate particles and radiate energetic photons and neutrinos? 3. How do black holes of various scales interact with surrounding matter through accretion and outflows? 4. How do multi-messenger data probe fundamental physics? Specifically, we will carry out following five tasks: 1. We propose to perform timely observations and theoretical modeling of interesting compact binary coalescence events detected during the 4th LVK observing run, especially potential new NS-NS or BH-NS merger systems with associated electromagnetic counterparts (GRBs and kilonovae), aiming to understand the growth of black holes and how neutron star merger systems launch relativistic jets and power kilonovae through nucleosynthesis processes that generate heavy elements in the universe. 2. We propose to perform timely observations and theoretical modeling of special GRBs, especially nearby events with multi-messenger information, aiming to understand the formation of black holes, the launch of relativistic jets from new-born black holes, as well as particle acceleration and radiation processes from the jets. 3. We propose to perform comprehensive multi-wavelength, multi-messenger observations and in-depth theoretical modeling and numerical simulations of various types of AGNs, aiming to understand the growth of supermassive black holes, how supermassive black holes interact with the environment through accretion and wind launching, as well as how AGNs accelerate particles and generate both neutrinos and high-energy and low-energy photons. 4. We propose to perform multi-wavelength campaigns and theoretical modeling of BH X-ray binaries, to understand the physical origins of different accretion phases, the interplay between accretion and outflows, and jet launching. 5. We propose several novel tests or constraints on fundamental physics making use of the multi-messenger data collected during the next three years. Our research team includes 12 scientists from 3 institutions of the Nevada System of Higher Education and 3 NASA scientists from 2 NASA Centers. The proposed investigations directly address the broad questions in NASA’s strategic objective in astrophysics, “How does the universe work?” and “How did we get here?” The study will probe the origin and destiny of the universe including the nature of black holes and gravity, the standard model of particle physics and beyond. The effort will contribute to the Nevada Science and Technology Plan and the state’s Economic Development Plan through workforce training, developing digital technologies, as well as applying scientific methodology to solve Nevada water-related problems.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

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