Scientific rationale

The conference will explore the current themes of multi-messenger science. In particular, for each topic, we want to address a number of open questions in those fields.


Multi-Messenger observations of GW and search for counterparts

  • What do multi-messenger observations say about the physics of the central engine and jet production?
  • Are GW170817 observations and the standard model for short GRB conciliable?
  • What is the expected rate of joint observations after GW170817?
  • What are the consequences of GW170817 observations on kilonova modelling?
  • What is the status and future of joint GW and EM constraints?

Fast Radio Bursts

  • Can we develop a Multi-messenger view on Fast Radio Bursts?
  • What are the search tools for multi-frequency and multi-messenger counterparts of FRBs?
  • Will new alert mechanisms and fast response telescopes change FRB studies.

Multi-Messenger observations of Neutrinos and search for counterparts

  • What have we learned from the detection of a high-energy neutrino from the flaring blazar TXS 0506+056? How does this finding fit together with the detection of an excess of neutrinos at TeV energies from the same blazar?
  • How can we improve the search for neutrinos from blazars in the future?
  • Are blazars the main contributors to the measured diffuse neutrino flux? What are other possible source candidates? Which multi-messenger observations are needed?
  • What are the prospects of detecting high-energy neutrinos in the future with new detectors such as Km3NET, IceCube Gen2 and Baikal GVD?

Software and technology for multi-messenger observations and data analysis

  • Does the communication, storage and processing infrastructures for alert and follow-up observations need further development?
  • What tools have been developed for multi-messenger astrophysics?
  • Where will these tools and their interoperability lead us to?
  • Is the current infrastructure going to scale in the next 10 years?
  • What tools are still needed?

Data access and the principles of Open Science

  • What are the recent developments on accessing, discovering and interoperating multi-wavelength/multi-messenger data?
  • Are open science and large scientific collaborations compatible?
  • What is the impact of current open data on education at universities and the general public?

International Coordination

  • Will future infrastructures transform the field of multi-messenger astrophysics and how?
  • What can be done to facilitate the collaboration of big infrastructures?
  • What are the results of the ASTERICS policy forum?
  • What will be the multi-messenger landscape in the next decade?
  • Can a multi-messenger platform help the coordination of current and future facilities?
  • Where else do the work of ASTERICS and the interoperability of multi-messenger instruments lead us?

Alert Mechanisms and multi-messenger coordination platforms
Interactive discussions on:

  • Facilitating data sharing
  • Facilitating data analysis
  • Standardizing VOEvents and archives
  • Joint observations: Planning and follow-ups

 

 

 

ASTERICS is a project supported by the European Commission Framework Programme Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation action under grant agreement n.653477

E-mail: locasterics@astron.nl