"Gravitational-Wave Astronomy"

Propagating nearly unimpeded through the universe since their formation, gravitational waves carry information about distant astrophysical phenomena which would otherwise be inaccessible through present-day measurements of photons and neutrinos (i.e., supernovae, compact object mergers, NS deformations, capture of compact objects by supermassive BHs, ...) Ground based detectors (LIGO,VIRGO,GEO,TAMA) are already in place and taking data; a plan for a space-based detector (LISA) are well underway. This talk will describe two critical perspectives on the interface between gravitational wave astronomy and astrophysics. On the one hand, I will describe how gravitational waves have the potential to significantly improve our understanding of astrophysics, using (for example) measurements of compact object mergers to constrain our understanding of single and binary star evolution. On the other hand, I demonstrate how planning and critical design choices are influenced by present (not always complete!) astrophysical understanding; examples will include mirror material choice in advanced LIGO and the low-end sensitivity of LISA.