Observing Plans

Current Observing Plans

The joint running plan for LIGO, Virgo, and KAGRA is updated periodically as the instruments are commissioned. At present (January 2023), we expect O4 to commence in May, 2023, immediately following a month-long joint engineering run with Virgo and KAGRA. For more information, please see:

LIGO/Virgo/KAGRA Statement on Near-term Observing Plans

Future Observing Plans

Plans are currently under development by LIGO to chart a path for interferometer upgrades and observing periods beyond O5 and continuing into the next decade.

LIGO Laboratory Statement on Long-term Future Observing Plans