Multi-messenger approaches to binary supermassive black holes in the ‘continuous-wave’ regime

Abstract

Pulsar timing arrays are sensitive to gravitational waves from supermassive black hole (SMBH) binaries at orbital separations of ≪1 pc. There is currently an observational paucity of such systems, although they are central figures in studies of galaxy evolution, merger dynamics, and active nucleus formation. We review the prospects of detecting SMBH binaries through electromagnetic radiative processes thought to be associated with galaxy mergers and late-stage binary evolution. We then discuss the scientific goals of joint pulsar timing and electromagnetic studies of these systems, including the facilitation of binary parameter estimation, identifying galactic hosts of gravitational wave emitters, and relevant studies of merger dynamics and cosmology. The use of upcoming high-precision timing arrays with the International pulsar timing array and the square kilometre array, combined with ongoing electromagnetic observing campaigns to identify active SMBH binaries, provide generous possibilities for multi-messenger astrophysics in the near future.