Follow-up survey for the binary black hole merger GW200224_222234 using Subaru/HSC and GTC/OSIRIS

Abstract

The LIGO/Virgo detected a gravitational wave (GW) event, named GW200224_222234 (a.k.a. S200224ca) and classified as a binary-black-hole coalescence, on February 24, 2020. Given its relatively small localization skymap (71 deg${}^2$ for a 90% credible region; revised to 50 deg${}^2$ in GWTC-3), we performed target-of-opportunity observations using the Subaru/Hyper Suprime-Cam (HSC) in the $r2$- and $z$-bands. Observations were conducted on February 25 and 28 and March 23, 2020, with the first epoch beginning 12.3 h after the GW detection. The survey covered the highest probability sky area of 56.6 deg${}^2$, corresponding to a 91% probability. This was the first deep follow-up ($m_r\gtrsim 24,m_z\gtrsim 23$) for a binary-black-hole merger covering $>$90% of the localization. By performing image subtraction and candidate screening including light curve fitting with transient templates and examples, we found 22 off-nucleus transients that were not ruled out as the counterparts of GW200224_222234 with only our Subaru/HSC data. We also performed GTC/OSIRIS spectroscopy of the probable host galaxies for five candidates; two are likely to be located within the 3D skymap, whereas the others are not. In conclusion, 19 transients remain as possible optical counterparts of GW200224_222234; however, we could not identify a unique promising counterpart. If there are no counterparts in the remaining candidates, the upper limits of optical luminosity are $\nu L_{\nu }<5.2_{-1.9}^{+2.4}\times 10^{41}$ erg s${}^{-1}$ and $\nu L_{\nu }<1.8_{-0.6}^{+0.8}\times 10^{42}$ erg s${}^{-1}$ in the $r2$- and $z$-bands, respectively, at $\sim$12 h after GW detection. We also discuss improvements in the strategies of optical follow-ups for future GW events.

22 pages, 15 figures. Accepted for publication in the Astrophysical Journal

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