A First Search for Prompt Radio Emission from a Gravitational-Wave Event

Abstract

Multimessenger observations of the binary neutron star merger GW170817 have enabled the discovery of a diverse array of electromagnetic counterparts to compact binary mergers, including an unambiguous kilonova, a short gamma-ray burst, and a late-time radio jet. Beyond these counterparts, compact binary mergers are additionally predicted to be accompanied by prompt low-frequency radio emission. The successful observation of a prompt radio counterpart would be immensely valuable, but is made difficult by the short delay between the gravitational-wave and prompt electromagnetic signals as well as the poor localization of gravitational-wave sources. Here, we present the first search for prompt radio emission accompanying a gravitational-wave event, targeting the binary black hole merger GW170104 detected by the Advanced LIGO and Virgo gravitational-wave observatories during their second (O2) observing run. Using the Owens Valley Radio Observatory Long Wavelength Array (OVRO-LWA), we search a $\sim 900{\mathrm{deg}}^2$ region for transient radio emission within approximately one hour of GW170104, obtaining an upper limit of $2.5\times 10^{41}\mathrm{erg}{\mathrm{s}}^{-1}$ on its equivalent isotropic luminosity between 27-84 MHz. We additionally discuss plans to target binary neutron star mergers in Advanced LIGO and Virgo's upcoming O3 observing run.

13 pages + appendices, 7 figures, submitted to ApJ

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• Reconnection-powered fast radio transients from coalescing neutron star binaries
• The most probable host of CHIME FRB 190425A, associated with binary neutron star merger GW190425, and a late-time transient search
• Murchison Widefield Array rapid-response observations of the short GRB 180805A
• Magnetic topology in coupled binaries, spin-orbital resonances, and flares
• LOFAR 144-MHz follow-up observations of GW170817
• A VOEvent based automatic trigger system for the Murchison Widefield Array
• Automated Detection of Antenna Malfunctions in Large-N Interferometers: A Case Study with the Hydrogen Epoch of Reionization Array
• Searching for Gravitational-Wave Counterparts using the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite