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Free keywords:
General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology, gr-qc,Astrophysics, Cosmology and Extragalactic Astrophysics, astro-ph.CO, Astrophysics, High Energy Astrophysical Phenomena, astro-ph.HE, Astrophysics, Instrumentation and Methods for Astrophysics, astro-ph.IM,Nuclear Theory, nucl-th
Abstract:
Einstein Telescope (ET) is the European project for a gravitational-wave (GW)
observatory of third-generation. In this paper we present a comprehensive
discussion of its science objectives, providing state-of-the-art predictions
for the capabilities of ET in both geometries currently under consideration, a
single-site triangular configuration or two L-shaped detectors. We discuss the
impact that ET will have on domains as broad and diverse as fundamental
physics, cosmology, early Universe, astrophysics of compact objects, physics of
matter in extreme conditions, and dynamics of stellar collapse. We discuss how
the study of extreme astrophysical events will be enhanced by multi-messenger
observations. We highlight the ET synergies with ground-based and space-borne
GW observatories, including multi-band investigations of the same sources,
improved parameter estimation, and complementary information on astrophysical
or cosmological mechanisms obtained combining observations from different
frequency bands. We present advancements in waveform modeling dedicated to
third-generation observatories, along with open tools developed within the ET
Collaboration for assessing the scientific potentials of different detector
configurations. We finally discuss the data analysis challenges posed by
third-generation observatories, which will enable access to large populations
of sources and provide unprecedented precision.
