DR. VARUN BHALERAO

The upcoming network of gravitational wave detectors will localize GW sources on sky with uncertainties of tens to hundreds of square degrees. Gamma ray bursts observed by Fermi Gamma Ray Burst Monitor also have similar large positional uncertainties on sky. Identifying the exact location and counterpart of these transient "triggers" is essential for any detailed studies of the sources. The speaker will talk about the challenges involved such targeted searches for transients: looking for sources, finding candidates, and verifying them. He will give examples from his work on following up Fermi GRBs, and how it paves the way for following up gravitational wave triggers in the near future.