¶ Chirp
Description:
The binary black hole mergers, binary neutron star mergers, and neutron star–black hole mergers create a distinct "chirp" feature in the LIGO strain data. Some LIGO searches look specifically for signals that chirp, which is the predicted signal for inspiraling and merging black holes and/or neutron stars based on Einstein's equations in general relativity.
The Gravity Spy dataset likely contains some true gravitational-wave signals (we have no way to "turn off" gravitational waves in our detectors). Simulated gravitational-wave signals can also be injected into the data or the hardware itself to test sensitivity of the detectors. Noise that resembles a chirp-like structure is also an important source of background in gravitational-wave searches and crucial to identify.
Cause:
Gravitational waves from the coalescence of binary compact objects.
Status:
Active.
Examples:
.png)
.png)
.png)
Audio Example:
Make sure to wear good headphones!
More Information:
- For more information on the chirp-like structure of GW150914, see this paper