Ever since the discovery of the double neutron star Hulse Taylor binary, it has been known that neutron stars must eventually merge due to the loss of energy from gravitational wave emission. The LIGO/Virgo discovery of more than 2000 full cycles of the double neutron star merger GW170817 enabled the first localization and characterization of such an event. The detection, 1.7 seconds later, of a gamma-ray burst by the Fermi and Integral satellites confirmed the long-held hypothesis that the mergers of neutron stars are the cause of one class of gamma-ray bursts. The subsequent plethora of electromagnetic observations yielded a number of additional firsts, including confirmation that neutron star mergers are the site of the r-process. 

This four day conference will bring together gravitational wave experimentalists, astronomical observers and theorists to present, discuss and interpret the immediate and lasting impact of this groundbreaking discovery.

PLEASE NOTE: During the conference there will be an opportunity to present a poster. If you are interested in presenting a poster please visit the conference website and submit your title and abstract. Each poster board is 4 feet high x 6 feet wide. We ask that the posters be no larger than 44 inches high x 34 inches wide at the most.