ABSTRACT:
The strongest gravitational waves in the universe are expected to arise from violent events such as the mergers of neutron star or black hole binaries. Decades of theoretical and experimental efforts could result in the the first direct detection of gravitational waves. Subsequent measurements should offer us an unprecedented view of strong-field gravity in action. A subset of neutron star binary mergers could be associated with a transient electromagnetic (EM) counterpart, and EM follow-up using radio, optical and high-energy facilities of these events are critical for improving our understanding of the physics underlying strong-field gravity astrophysics, and compact objects. I will outline the challenges that lie ahead in pinpointing the sky location of neutron star binary mergers using worldwide networks of gravitational-wave interferometers and electromagnetic synoptic wide-field surveys.