Multipole moments of compact objects with NUT charge: Theoretical and observational implications

Abstract

We derive the multipole moments of the Kerr-Newman-Unti-Tamburino (NUT) black hole spacetime using the Geroch-Hansen formalism, even though the spacetime is not asymptotically flat. Intriguingly, in the presence of the NUT charge, the absence of reflection symmetry about the equatorial plane leads to mass and spin multipole moments of all orders, in stark contrast to Kerr-like spacetimes. This leads to a drastic departure of the multipolar structure of a compact object with NUT charge, whose implications for gravitational wave observations have been explored. Our analysis of multipole moments for the Kerr-NUT spacetime is also in tune with the Thorne’s approach.