Determining the Hubble constant from gravitational wave observations

• Published in: Nature (London) Vol. 323; no. 6086; pp. 310 - 311
• Main Author: Schutz, Bernard F
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Nature Publishing 25-09-1986
• Subjects: Astronomy; Earth, ocean, space; Exact sciences and technology; Fundamental astronomy and astrophysics. Instrumentation, techniques, and astronomical observations; Observation and data reduction techniques. Computer modeling and simulation; Gravity wave; Hubble constant; Measurement method
• ISSN: 0028-0836; 1476-4687
• DOI: 10.1038/323310a0

It is reported how gravitational wave observations can be used to determine the Hubble constant. The nearly monochromatic gravitational waves emitted by the decaying orbit of an ultracompact, two-neutron-star binary system just before the stars coalesce are very likely to be detected by the kilometer-sized interferometric gravitational wave antennas now being designed. The signal is easily identified and contains enough information to determine the absolute distance to the binary, independently of any assumptions about the masses of the stars. Ten events out to 100 Mpc may suffice to measure the Hubble constant to 3 percent accuracy. (Author)