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The dark energy camera search for an optical counterpart to the first advanced LIGO gravitational wave event GW150914

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journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-09, 04:19 authored by Kathy RomerKathy Romer, et al. The DES Collaboration
We report initial results of a deep search for an optical counterpart to the gravitational wave event GW150914, the first trigger from the Advanced LIGO gravitational wave detectors. We used the Dark Energy Camera (DECam) to image a 102 deg 2 area, corresponding to 38% of the initial trigger high-probability sky region and to 11% of the revised high-probability region. We observed in i and z bands at 4-5, 7, and 24 days after the trigger. The median 5s point-source limiting magnitudes of our search images are i=22.5 and z=21.8 mag. We processed the images through a difference-imaging pipeline using templates from pre-existing Dark Energy Survey data and publicly available DECam data. Due to missing template observations and other losses, our effective search area subtends 40 deg 2 , corresponding to 12% total probability in the initial map and 3% of the final map. In this area, we search for objects that decline significantly between days 4-5 and day 7, and are undetectable by day 24, finding none to typical magnitude limits of i= 21.5,21.1,20.1 for object colors (i-z)=1,0,-1, respectively. Our search demonstrates the feasibility of a dedicated search program with DECam and bodes well for future research in this emerging field.

Funding

STFC Consolidated Grant Supplement; G1316; STFC-SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY FACILITIES COUNCIL; ST/M000753/1

History

Publication status

  • Published

File Version

  • Published version

Journal

Astrophysical Journal Letters

ISSN

2041-8205

Publisher

American Astronomical Society

Issue

L33

Volume

823

Department affiliated with

  • Physics and Astronomy Publications

Research groups affiliated with

  • Astronomy Centre Publications

Full text available

  • Yes

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2016-12-05

First Open Access (FOA) Date

2016-12-05

First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date

2016-12-05

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