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Caltech

TAPIR Seminar

Friday, March 14, 2025
2:00pm to 3:00pm
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Online and In-Person Event
The dynamics of spin-precessing and eccentric black hole binaries
Giulia Fumagalli, Graduate Student, Department of Astrophysics, University of Milano-Bicocca,

In person: 370 Cahill. To Join via Zoom: 868 5298 8404

ABSTRACT: Spin precession and orbital eccentricity are key parameters for inferring the formation channels of black hole binary systems. The first step toward measuring these properties is to develop robust models and gain a deeper understanding of their dynamics. In this talk, I will present a series of studies exploring different aspects of black hole binary dynamics. These works examine spin precession and eccentricity both separately and in combination, revealing novel insights into their interplay. In particular, We provide an alternative to classic orbit-averaged evolution equations for eccentric binaries and demonstrate that eccentricity and spin precession are inherently linked, with eccentricity influencing the evolution of spin inclinations. Finally, we show that this connection has profound implications for inferring black hole binary formation channels.

For more information, please contact JoAnn Boyd by phone at 626-395-4280 or by email at joann@caltech.edu.