GW170608: Observation of a 19 Solar-mass Binary Black Hole Coalescence

(LIGO Scientific Collaboration and Virgo Collaboration)

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

975 Scopus citations

Abstract

On 2017 June 8 at 02:01:16.49 UTC, a gravitational-wave (GW) signal from the merger of two stellar-mass blackholes was observed by the two Advanced Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory detectors with anetwork signal-to-noise ratio of 13. This system is the lightest black hole binary so far observed, with componentmasses of 12+7 -2M7+2 -2 (90% credible intervals). These lie in the range of measured black hole masses inlow-mass X-ray binaries, thus allowing us to compare black holes detected through GWs with electromagneticobservations. The source's luminosity distance is 340+140 -140corresponding to redshift -0.07+0.030 03. We verify thatthe signal waveform is consistent with the predictions of general relativity.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article numberL35
JournalAstrophysical Journal Letters
Volume851
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 20 2017

Keywords

  • binaries: general
  • gravitational waves
  • stars: black holes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
  • Space and Planetary Science

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