The power of multimessenger astrophysics was demonstrated in 2017 through the observation of a binary neutron star merger, the first astrophysical event observed in both the gravitational wave and electromagnetic spectra. Multimessenger astrophysics will remain an important tool for astronomers in the future as we combine electromagnetic radiation, gravitational wave radiation, and particle astrophysics observations of cosmic events. NASA's space observatories in the 2020 decade and beyond have an important role to play, including those that continue to operate in the 2020s, such as Hubble, Chandra, Swift, Fermi; those planned, including JWST, WFIRST, Athena, LISA, Explorers; and those considered by the 2020 astrophysics decadal committee.
The Multimessenger Astrophysics Science Analysis Group analyzed the potential scientific benefits of multimessenger observations made possible by NASA observatories in the 2020 decade and beyond, working in conjunction with each other or with other ground and space-based instruments.
MMA SAG chairs were John Conklin, John Tomsick, and Suvi Gezari.
This SAG concluded activities in 2020. The final report is available:
The Multimessenger Astrophysics Science Analysis Group (MMA SAG) offered community members the opportunity to advertise any Decadal Survey White Papers they considered writing, including if they would like broader participation.
White papers that were submitted as a result of this effort can now be found at Decadal Survey White Papers