Upcoming data releases, observing runs, and major events in cosmic ray and multi-messenger astronomy.
LIGO/Virgo/KAGRA's fourth observing run concluded on November 18, 2025. O4a data and GWTC-4.0 (128 events) were released in August 2025. With ~250 total candidates detected across O4, the O4b and O4c data releases are expected in 2026, dramatically expanding the catalog for multi-messenger studies.
LIGO, Virgo, and KAGRA data releases and observing schedules.
First O4 catalog covering O4a (May 2023 – Jan 2024). Includes 128 significant gravitational wave detections, strain data, and parameter estimates. Notable events include GW231123, likely the highest-mass BBH merger observed.
Source: GWOSC
Second phase data (Apr 2024 – Jan 2025). Virgo rejoined LIGO for this segment. Expected to add 100+ additional events to the catalog.
Source: LVK Observing Plans
Final O4 segment (Jan – Nov 2025). Includes overlap with Rubin Observatory early science. Combined O4 catalog expected to contain ~250 events total.
Source: LVK Observing Plans
Six-month observing run planned for late summer/early fall 2026. Further sensitivity improvements expected after commissioning break.
Source: LVK Observing Plans
Pierre Auger Observatory and Telescope Array data releases.
Major expansion from 10% to 30% of cosmic ray events. Coverage extended through December 2022. Approved by Collaboration Board in June 2023.
Source: arXiv:2507.08504
Major upgrade to the Pierre Auger Observatory now operational. Includes scintillator detectors, radio antennas, and underground muon detectors for improved mass composition measurements.
Source: Pierre Auger Observatory
Telescope Array expanding to four times its original size in Utah. Will improve northern hemisphere UHECR statistics significantly.
Source: Telescope Array
High-energy transient catalogs and mission updates.
Fermi Gamma-ray Burst Monitor continues to detect ~240 GRBs per year. Catalog updated regularly via HEASARC. Currently contains 3,500+ bursts.
Source: HEASARC
Chinese X-ray telescope launched January 2024. Wide-field monitoring for X-ray transients including GRB afterglows and potential GW counterparts.
Source: Einstein Probe
IceCube and other neutrino observatory updates.
High-energy neutrino alerts distributed via GCN within ~1 minute of detection. Enables rapid multi-messenger follow-up observations.
Source: IceCube
Next-generation neutrino telescope will be ~8x larger than current IceCube. Dramatically improved sensitivity to cosmogenic and astrophysical neutrinos.
Source: IceCube-Gen2
Major meetings in the field.
39th International Cosmic Ray Conference held in Geneva, Switzerland. Major results from Pierre Auger, Telescope Array, and multi-messenger analyses presented.
Source: ICRC 2025
40th International Cosmic Ray Conference. Location TBD.
Bookmark this page for the latest on upcoming data releases and events in UHECR research.
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