Hierarchical Bayesian analysis of GWTC-5.0 data identifies a mass transition at 15.2 solar masses separating distinct effective-spin distributions, pointing to different formation channels for low-mass binary black holes.
The first decade of gravitational-wave measurements of black hole spins
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abstract
A decade after the first direct detection of gravitational waves, the growing catalog of over one hundred confirmed events is revealing new insights into the spins of stellar-mass black holes. Spin measurements have long been heralded as a promising tracer of compact-object binary formation and evolution, as different formation channels predict unique spin signatures on a population level. In this review, we summarize the astrophysics, phenomenology, and current measurements of black hole spins. We begin with an overview of the predictions for black hole spin magnitudes and orientations from leading formation channels--isolated binary evolution, dynamical formation in clusters, formation in AGN disks, and hierarchical triples. We then describe the imprint of spin effects on the gravitational waveform and the measurability of spin in individual events. Finally, we review current population-level constraints on spin magnitudes, orientations, and effective spin parameters, including correlations with mass and redshift, and discuss their astrophysical implications. We conclude by highlighting open questions and future prospects, emphasizing how improved detector sensitivity will enable increasingly precise spin measurements for both individual events and the binary black hole population as a whole.
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astro-ph.HE 3years
2026 3verdicts
UNVERDICTED 3representative citing papers
Joint strong-lensing and population inference on resolved gravitational-wave events finds no lensed events and tightens constraints on the black-hole merger rate peak redshift and high-redshift tail.
Non-parametric analysis of GWTC-5.0 data supports multiple subpopulations of binary black holes distinguished by effective spin, with one aligned subpopulation suggesting dynamical formation.
citing papers explorer
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Distinct spin properties and astrophysical origin of low mass binary black holes in gravitational wave data
Hierarchical Bayesian analysis of GWTC-5.0 data identifies a mass transition at 15.2 solar masses separating distinct effective-spin distributions, pointing to different formation channels for low-mass binary black holes.
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Joint population and strong-lensing inference for resolved gravitational-wave events probes the black-hole merger rate beyond the peak of star formation
Joint strong-lensing and population inference on resolved gravitational-wave events finds no lensed events and tightens constraints on the black-hole merger rate peak redshift and high-redshift tail.
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When the black holes align: a subpopulation of aligned massive binary black holes observed via gravitational waves
Non-parametric analysis of GWTC-5.0 data supports multiple subpopulations of binary black holes distinguished by effective spin, with one aligned subpopulation suggesting dynamical formation.