Massive Black Hole Binaries and the Low Frequency Gravitational Wave sky: Electromagnetic Signatures

Abstract:  The inspiral and merger of massive black holes binaries (MBHBs) in galactic nuclei makes up a dominant component of the low frequency (nHZ to HZ) gravitational sky, soon detectable by the Pulsar Timing Arrays and space based interferometer LISA. Characterization of the MBHB population will shed light on the environments of galactic nuclei and also on the mutual growth of galaxies and their central black holes. This talk addresses the electromagnetic tracers that are needed in combination with gravitational observations to characterize the poorly understood population of MBHBs.