1. C.E.G.O. China Einstein Gravitational wave Observatory
R. DeSalvo
LSC 16th March 2004 G

2. China has a long history of interest in the Universe
700 b.C.
LSC 16th March 2004
And two GW bars, Beijing and Guandong G

3. How did it happen
In 2003 Wang Yunyong, visitor at Livingston got interested in GW detection
Getting time to leave, looking for a way to continue, contacts Tang Keyun of Geophysics Institute of Beijing
Tang Keyun proposes to Academia Sinica the idea of a Chinese group at LSC
Instead of forming a group to join LSC, they are invited to propose a Chinese interferometer ! !
LSC 16th March 2004 G

4. How did it happen
Coming from Geophysics, they decide to propose an underground facility
On Christmas eve they contact me, ask to come to LIGO to present the idea
January 12th Wang and Tang in Caltech
Tang gives a LIGO talk presenting CEGO
For funding they need an original idea, somewhat different from what done elsewhere
It is decided that the underground facility will concentrate towards Low Frequency GW sensitivity
LSC 16th March 2004 G

5. C.E.G.O. kickoff workshop
Kickoff workshop organized in Beijing, March 1-3
The workshop starts with the support letters from GWIC, LIGO, Virgo and TAMA
70 scientist and 20 institutions participate, including representatives from GWIC, LIGO, Virgo and TAMA, at the presence of a Science Ministry representative
Academia Sinica, NSF-C, NAO-C pledge support for the initiative for a three year starting period
LSC 16th March 2004 G

6. The first C.E.G.O. workshop
LSC 16th March 2004 G

7. What’s next
March 3rd, National Astronomical Observatory-C hosts the initiative, hiring Tang off Geophysics
NAOC will provide premises and staff to organize a mid size test interferometer and prepare a proposal for a full facility in three years
March15th, first seed funding from NAOC
Additional interim funding expected to come from Academia Sinica and NSFC (~> 10 MY ?)
March 30th presentation of three-year proposal to the ministry for developmental funding
LSC 16th March 2004 G

8. What’s next
In LIGO we will apply for an NSF grant to support the initiative
A larger, international workshop will be organized under the GWIC auspices
Chinese visitors to LIGO, Virgo and TAMA to practice with real interferometers (1-2 years)
Design and build test interferometer in Beijing
Choose site, design new interferometer, ……
LSC 16th March 2004 G