Binary Neutron Star Mergers: Prospects for Multimessenger Observations

Binary neutron star mergers are possible progenitors for short gamma-ray bursts. We evolve a binary system of two neutron stars using the fully relativistic Einstein equations from an initial quasi-circular orbit, through and past merger. We consider different finite-temperature, nuclear equations of state, which vary from soft to quite stiff, and allow for magnetization of the system and neutrino cooling via a leakage scheme. We focus on potential observables, other than gravitational waves, produced mainly by the hot, strongly magnetized matter resulting from the merger.