Identifying Purposed Gravitational Wave Observatory Site Locations Contained Within US Public Lands
Samuel Urben
surben@arizona.edu
surben@arizona.edu
Presentation Time: Mon, 05/04/2026 - 13:30
Keywords: Cosmic Explorer, Federal Land, Gravitational Wave Observatory, State Land, Site Selection
Abstract
Draft AbstractCosmic Explorer is a set of proposed observatories used to explore gravitational phenomena
far into the known universe. The two facilities that compose Cosmic Explorer are currently being
sited within the continental United States (one with 40 km arms and 20 km arms). Small-scale
analyses have identified over 20 million potential locations based on a variety of criteria stemming
from two major goals: conditions conducive to gravitational wave observation and proximity to
amenities for scientists. Proposed locations that are completely contained within public land were
determined to be especially important. This study identifies which potential locations fall
exclusively on United States federal and state land. Locations were chosen by comparing the
spatial relationship between the complete list of proposed locations and current federal and state
land data. Any geographic trends that exist between these locations are also discussed.