The science of the Einstein Telescope

Abac, Adrian, Abramo, Raul, Albanesi, Simone, Albertini, Angelica, Agapito, Alessandro, Antonini, Fabio ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3138-6199, Fairhurst, Stephen ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8480-1961 and Hannam, Mark ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5571-325X 2026. The science of the Einstein Telescope. Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics 2026 (03) , 081. 10.1088/1475-7516/2026/03/081

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Abstract

Einstein Telescope (ET) is the European project for a gravitational-wave (GW) observatory of third-generation. In this paper we present a comprehensive discussion of its science objectives, providing state-of-the-art predictions for the capabilities of ET in both geometries currently under consideration, a single-site triangular configuration or two L-shaped detectors. We discuss the impact that ET will have on domains as broad and diverse as fundamental physics, cosmology, early Universe, astrophysics of compact objects, physics of matter in extreme conditions, and dynamics of stellar collapse. We discuss how the study of extreme astrophysical events will be enhanced by multi-messenger observations. We highlight the ET synergies with ground-based and space-borne GW observatories, including multi-band investigations of the same sources, improved parameter estimation, and complementary information on astrophysical or cosmological mechanisms obtained combining observations from different frequency bands. We present advancements in waveform modeling dedicated to third-generation observatories, along with open tools developed within the ET Collaboration for assessing the scientific potentials of different detector configurations. We finally discuss the data analysis challenges posed by third-generation observatories, which will enable access to large populations of sources and provide unprecedented precision.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Schools > Physics and Astronomy
Additional Information:	For full list of authors please see https://doi.org/10.1088/1475-7516/2026/03/081 License information from Publisher: LICENSE 1: URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/, Type: cc-by
Publisher:	IOP Publishing
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	2 April 2026
Date of Acceptance:	28 August 2025
Last Modified:	02 Apr 2026 09:30
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/186144

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