Implementation and testing of the first prompt search for gravitational wave transients with electromagnetic counterparts

摘要: Aims. A transient astrophysical event observed in both gravitational wave (GW) and electromagnetic (EM) channels would yield rich scientific rewards. first program initiating EM follow-ups to possible GW events has been developed exercised by the LIGO Virgo community association with several partners. In this paper, we describe evaluate methods used promptly identify localize candidates request images of targeted sky locations. Methods. During two observing periods (Dec 17 2009 Jan 8 2010 Sep 2 Oct 20 2010), a low-latency analysis pipeline was reconstruct maps catalog nearby galaxies Milky Way globular clusters select most promising positions be imaged, directional information delivered observatories time lags about thirty minutes. Monte Carlo simulation pipeline's ability source correctly. Results. For signals near detection threshold, our algorithms often localized simulated burst tens square degrees, while neutron star/neutron star inspirals star/black hole were few hundred degrees. Localization precision improves for moderately stronger signals. The correct location well above threshold originating from may ~50% or better probability pointings wide-field telescopes.