Gravitational-Wave Lunar Observatory for Cosmology

Abstract

Several large-scale experimental facilities and space-missions are being suggested to probe the universe across the gravitational-wave (GW) spectrum. Here we propose Gravitational-wave Lunar Observatory for Cosmology (GLOC) - the first concept design in the NASA Artemis era for a GW observatory on the Moon. Using feasible interferometer technologies, we find that a lunar-based observatory is ideal for probing GW frequencies in the range between deci-Hz to 5 Hz, an astrophysically rich regime that is very challenging for both Earth- and space-based detectors. GLOC can survey binaries with neutron stars, stellar and intermediate-mass black holes to $\gtrsim 70\%$ of the observable volume of our universe without significant background contamination. The sensitivity at $\mathcal{O}(1\mathrm{Hz})$ allows a unique window into calibrating Type Ia supernovae. At its ultimate sensitivity limits, GLOC would trace the Hubble expansion rate up to redshift $z\sim 3$ and test General Relativity and $\Lambda$CDM cosmology up to $z\sim 350$.

Published in the Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics (24 June 2021)

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Cited by in corpus (8)

• Bridging the $\mu$Hz gap in the gravitational-wave landscape with binary resonance
• The neutrino gravitational memory from a core collapse supernova: phenomenology and physics potential
• Future prospects on testing extensions to $\Lambda$CDM through the weak lensing of gravitational waves
• Searching for Dark Clumps with Gravitational-Wave Detectors
• Realistic Detection and Early Warning of Binary Neutron Stars with Decihertz Gravitational-wave Observatories
• Seismic Background Limitation of Lunar Gravitational-wave Detectors
• Study on the detectability of gravitational radiation from single-binary encounters between black holes in nuclear star cluster: the case of hyperbolic flybys
• Mid-Frequency Gravitational Waves (0.1-10 Hz): Sources and Detection Methods Summary of the parallel session GW2 of MG16 Meeting