Prospects for Multimessenger Observations of Thorne-Zytkow Objects

Thorne-Zytkow objects (TZOs) are a class of stellar object comprised of a neutron star core surrounded by a large and diffuse envelope. Their exterior appearance is identical to red supergiants; the distinctive electromagnetic signature of a TZO is a suite of unusual chemical abundance patterns, including excesses of Li, Rb, Mo, and Ca. However, electromagnetic observations cannot unambiguously identify the presence of a neutron star core. Detection of continuous gravitational wave emission from a rotating neutron star core would provide strong supporting evidence for the existence of TZOs. We present a model for gravitational wave detector confirmation of TZOs and demonstrate that these objects should be detectable with Advanced LIGO. We also investigate possible targets for joint optical and gravitational searches, and comment on prospects for detectability in both current and future gravitational wave detector networks.

Automated summary

Thorne-Zytkow objects (TZOs) are a class of stellar objects consisting of a neutron star core surrounded by a large and diffuse envelope. Their distinctive chemical abundance patterns can be used to differentiate them from other stars. Detection of continuous gravitational wave emission from the rotating neutron star core would provide strong evidence for the existence of TZOs. Model for gravitational wave detector confirmation of TZOs is proposed, suggesting detectability with Advanced LIGO.