Quasi-Normal Modes and Gravitational Wave Astronomy
arXiv:0709.0657 · doi:10.1007/s10714-007-0585-1
Abstract
We review the main results obtained in the literature on quasi-normal modes of compact stars and black holes, in the light of recent exciting developments of gravitational wave detectors. Quasi-normal modes are a fundamental feature of the gravitational signal emitted by compact objects in many astrophysical processes; we will show that their eigenfrequencies encode interesting information on the nature and on the inner structure of the emitting source and we will discuss whether we are ready for a gravitational wave asteroseismology.
25 pages, 7 figures, to appear on Gen. Rel. Grav