SEMINAR 2025

Gravitational waves in OJ287 black hole binary

SpeakerMauri Valtonen, University of Turku, Finland
Date/TimeWednesday, 9 Apr, 3pm
LocationConference room (S11-02-07)
ModeratorAsst/Prof Alvin Chua

Abstract

OJ287 was discovered as the first candidate supermassive black hole binary in 1982. The period is 12 years which means that it has been observed through many cycles by now. Moreover, historical protographic data exist since 1888. The binary model has correctly predicted the flares of OJ287 which happen twice during each period. Here I will discuss what can be learned about gravitational waves emitted by this source just using the optical variability data. In future, the gravitational waves from OJ287 should be directly measurable by the Pulsar Timing Arrays.

Biography

Valtonen studied gravitational waves in supermassive black hole binaries as a PhD project in Cambridge in 1971-1974. After periods at NRAO and elsewhere he became professor of astronomy at University of Turku, Finland. He began writing a book on the topic during a recent visit to Cambridge.

An illustration of OJ287 binary and the origin of flares
The speaker and his son, a Singapore resident, some years ago.
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