Lessons learned from GW250114: a loud signal with no LoveConfirmed

by Giada Santoro (University of Copenhagen)

Thursday May 14, 2026, 1:00 PM → 2:30 PM America/Toronto

PI/4-400 - Space Room (Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics)

GW250114, with a signal-to-noise ratio of ∼80, enables the most precise single-event tests of strong-field gravity to date: setting the tightest constraints on deviations from general relativity, delivering the cleanest ringdown measurement yet, and placing stringent bounds on compact object structure. The one thing it withholds is Love: no tidal deformability is detected, with a 90% upper limit of $\tilde{\Lambda} < 34.8$, fully consistent with the Kerr prediction of vanishing tidal deformability.