Inferring neutron star matter properties with gravitational waves from binary mergers

The first detection of a gravitational-wave signal from a binary neutron star coalescence, known as GW170817, by the LIGO and Virgo observatories, signifies the beginning of a new era in astrophysics. By analysing gravitational wave signals from neutron star binaries, using adequate modelling of matter effects, we can constrain the barotropic equation of state (EoS) of cold matter at supranuclear densities found in the neutron-star interior. In this talk I will describe how the analysis on GW170817 data has put tight constraints on the stars’ tidal parameters, radii and EoS, what additional information can be drawn from EM observations and how we can infer the nature of the final remnant based on GW data alone. I will briefly discuss the prospects of extracting additional information by modelling and analysing the post-merger part of such events.