Gravitational Waves from Compact Object Inspiral: Detection Prospects and Challenges

The first ground-based laser interferometers (such as LIGO) designed for the detection of cosmic gravitational-wave sources are expected to become operational in the near future. Some of the best candidates for the direct detection of gravitational radiation are close binaries with two compact objects (neutron stars or black holes) inspiraling because of gravitational-wave emission. In this talk I will give a simple introduction to gravitational waves, the laser interferometer detectors soon to come on line, and the basic methods to be employed for the study of compact-object inspiral. I will discuss the most up-to-date expectations for the LIGO detection rates as well as some of the challenges that lie ahead.