LSC 16th March 2004 G040121-00-0

C.E.G.O. China Einstein Gravitational

wave Observatory

R. DeSalvo

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China has a long history of interest in the Universe

And two GW bars, Beijing and Guandong

7-4-1054700 b.C.

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How did it happen

• In 2003 Wang Yunyong, visitor at Livingston got interested in GW detection

• Getting time to leave, looking for a way to continue, contacts Tang Keyun of Geophysics Institute of Beijing

• Tang Keyun proposes to Academia Sinica the idea of a Chinese group at LSC

• Instead of forming a group to join LSC, they are invited to propose a Chinese interferometer ! !

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How did it happen

• Coming from Geophysics, they decide to propose an underground facility

• On Christmas eve they contact me, ask to come to LIGO to present the idea

• January 12th Wang and Tang in Caltech• Tang gives a LIGO talk presenting CEGO• For funding they need an original idea, somewhat

different from what done elsewhere• It is decided that the underground facility will

concentrate towards Low Frequency GW sensitivity

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C.E.G.O. kickoff workshop

• Kickoff workshop organized in Beijing, March 1-3• The workshop starts with the support letters from

GWIC, LIGO, Virgo and TAMA• 70 scientist and 20 institutions participate,

including representatives from GWIC, LIGO, Virgo and TAMA, at the presence of a Science Ministry representative

• Academia Sinica, NSF-C, NAO-C pledge support for the initiative for a three year starting period

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The first C.E.G.O. workshop

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What’s next

• March 3rd, National Astronomical Observatory-C hosts the initiative, hiring Tang off Geophysics

• NAOC will provide premises and staff to organize a mid size test interferometer and prepare a proposal for a full facility in three years

• March15th, first seed funding from NAOC• Additional interim funding expected to come from

Academia Sinica and NSFC (~> 10 MY ?)• March 30th presentation of three-year proposal to

the ministry for developmental funding

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What’s next

• In LIGO we will apply for an NSF grant to support the initiative

• A larger, international workshop will be organized under the GWIC auspices

• Chinese visitors to LIGO, Virgo and TAMA to practice with real interferometers (1-2 years)

• Design and build test interferometer in Beijing• Choose site, design new interferometer, ……