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This collaborative, multidisciplinary project focuses on the site identification and evaluation for Cosmic Explorer (CE), a proposed next-generation U.S. gravitational-wave observatory. The initiative aims to identify two distinct observatory sites within the continental United States: a primary facility featuring an L-shaped configuration with two $40\text{ km}$ arms (totaling $80\text{ km}$), and a second facility with $20\text{ km}$ arms.
Utilizing a mixed-methods Geographic Information Systems (GIS) approach, this project builds upon previously established evaluation criteria—including science, cost, workforce, and synergies—developed via a National Suitability Analysis (NSA) and the Cosmic Explorer Location Search (CELS) cost estimation code.
The core objective is to refine and narrow the existing "long list" of 10 promising $40\text{ km}$ locations and 10 promising $20\text{ km}$ locations down to a vetted "short list" of six viable sites for each facility. This interdisciplinary evaluation balances technical requirements for accurate scientific observations with human-centric factors, ensuring nearby communities offer a high quality of life and manageable commutes for observatory staff. Ultimately, this project will cultivate local partnerships and deliver a comprehensive report detailing the science, cost, and workforce opportunities for each shortlisted location, directly supporting a subsequent NSF-led site selection decision.
Warren Bristol PhD., Postdoctoral Research Scientist, School of Geography, Development and Environment, University of Arizona (2023-Present)
Oscar Romero, Geospatial Scientist at the Nicholas and Lee Begovich Center for Gravitational-Wave Physics and Astronomy at California State Fullerton. 2025. High-Resolution Site Selection For Cosmic Explorer: A Multi-Criteria Geospatial Analysis in Southeastern New Mexico. Master of Science in Geographic Information Systems Technology, The University of Arizona.
Anika Sharma, Undergraduate Research Assistant, School of Geography, Development and Environment, University of Arizona (2025-Present)
Joshua Klein. 2025-2026. High Resolution Site Analysis for Cosmic Explorer: Great Plains Colorado. Master of Science in Geographic Information Systems Technology, The University of Arizona.
Michael Gutierrez. 2026. Land Suitability Analysis for the Cosmic Explorer Gravitational Wave Observatory in Northern Arizona. Master of Science in Geographic Information Systems Technology, The University of Arizona.
Mathew Martin. 2026. Land Suitability In Northwestern Nevada for the Cosmic Explorer Gravitational Wave Observatory. Master of Science in Geographic Information Systems Technology, The University of Arizona.
Dessa Keys. 2026. High-Resolution Site-Suitability Analysis Near Deming, New Mexico for the 40-km Cosmic Explorer Gravitation Wave Interferometer. Master of Science in Geographic Information Systems Technology, The University of Arizona.
Lauren Bolton. 2026. Local Suitability Analysis of Moab, Utah, For Cosmic Explorer. Master of Science in Geographic Information Systems Technology, The University of Arizona.
Alyssa M. Guzman. 2026. Assessing Land Suitability for the Cosmic Explorer Observatory Near Bend, Oregon Using Boolean Spatial Analysis. Master of Science in Geographic Information Systems Technology, The University of Arizona.
Samuel Urben. 2026. Identifying Gravitational Wave Observatory Locations Within Us Public Lands. Master of Science in Geographic Information Systems Technology, The University of Arizona.
Bristol_etal_2025.pdfCosmicExplorer2025.pdfWatch and Read about Tiffany Nichols research on how the LIGO observatories where sited. Also, see her wordpress page.
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