The 2017 IAU Symposium in Baton Rouge, La. will bring together astrophysicists and gravitational-wave researchers to compare past, present and future of observations of gravitational-wave sources, and share the excitement of a new field in astronomy.

Gravitational waves were predicted 100 years ago by Einstein as part of his general theory of relativity. With the development of new and more sensitive detectors LIGO has now made the first-ever observations of gravitational waves arriving on Earth from space in 2015.

At the time of this symposium in October 2017, the LIGO and Virgo Advanced detectors will have accumulated data from their first two observational runs. The results from these observations will constrain our astrophysical understanding of binary systems of compact objects, rotating or exploding stars and other phenomena. Dozens of our astronomical partners will have followed up gravitational-wave triggers.

This symposium will bring to light the latest results available in gravitational-wave astronomy, progress in multi-messenger astronomy, and the inferences that can be made from joint observations, to open a new window to the cosmos.

LIGO Livingston Observatory Tour

The conference will include a tour of the LIGO Livingston Observatory on the afternoon of Wednesday, October 18.

CONTACT INFORMATION
The Local Committee is Chaired by:
Gabriela González
Department of Physics and Astronomy
Louisiana State University
Email: gonzalez@lsu.edu
Phone: 225-578-0468