Recent improvements in gravitational wave (GW) detection technology have allowed the cosmological community to explore other, non-astrophysical sources of GWs, such as from domain walls (DWs). We explored this new frontier by examining two DW models, one from a prior paper and the other from our own research, with data from the recent LIGO O4 run. Our paper verifies and reproduces the results from past O1-O4a analyses, then examines how the two models compare against each other with recently released O4b observing run. We find that the addition of O4b data does not imply the presence of a domain wall in either model, but we do consider and examine potential options for third-generation terrestrial detectors like Cosmic Explorer or the Einstein Telescope for the detection of DWs in the future.

In the current era of astronomy, large surveys are producing terabytes of data each night. Because of this, astronomers are struggling to perform the prompt follow-up observations needed to characterize and validate or invalidate transient and variable-source candidates. Starting soon, the Vera Rubin Observatory’s Legacy Survey of Space and Time will produce up to 10 million transient alerts nightly, fundamentally challenging the astronomy community’s ability to respond with a vast number of follow-ups. Failing to complete timely follow-ups would result in missed opportunities to verify potential discoveries. This study investigates practical methods for maximizing follow-up observational capacity, drawing on industry and federal data to characterize telescope availability and funding conditions. Funding and telescope oversubscription rates will inform the selection of useful tools and approaches. Many different instruments, alert broker platforms, observatory software packages, and operational approaches will be evaluated and scored quantitatively on budget and time impact, and qualitatively on deployment speed, applicability with minimal customization, and operational enhancements. Highly scored approaches will receive real-world testing, using the Robbins Telescope at the University of Oregon's Pine Mountain Observatory. Results will be published as operational guidelines and recommendations for observatories seeking to help maximize the number of timely follow-up observations.