Contact: alejandro[AT]wfu.eduLocation: Winston-Salem, NC, USA
This two-day workshop will bring together experts in gravitational and electromagnetic wave astrophysics to address the shared theoretical challenges of modeling and measuring black hole spins. The event will feature a mix of talks and discussions throughout the workshop. Invited speakers will deliver two 30-minute talks: the first will focus on the current theoretical understanding in their field, while the second will highlight the outstanding uncertainties and open questions.
These presentations will provide a strong foundation for integrating diverse theoretical perspectives and fostering a shared understanding of black hole spin measurements across different techniques, including X-rays, gravitational waves, and millimetric black hole imaging. Discussions will be interspersed throughout the workshop to promote collaboration and bridge gaps between these theoretical communities.
Key topics will include the development of theoretical models for inferring black hole spin from astrophysical observations, as well as the exploration of observational selection effects that influence spin distributions in black hole populations, such as low and high-mass X-ray binaries (LMXBs and HMXBs) and binary black holes (BBHs).
The workshop will also focus on strategies to reconcile theoretical models with observational results. The goal is to establish a unified framework for understanding black hole spin and advancing our knowledge of black hole formation and evolution through integrated theoretical approaches.