= Solution
<GW170817> supplied the first direct <gravitational wave> observation of a binary <neutron star> inspiral. The chirping waveform tests compact-binary <general relativity>, constrains masses and tidal effects, and links a class of known compact binaries to observable sources of <gravitational waves>. The electromagnetic counterpart identifies the host and distance, enabling complementary source and cosmological inference. This is distinct from the earlier binary-black-hole detections; it established a system involving matter that could also be observed electromagnetically.<GW170817: Observation of Gravitational Waves from a Binary Neutron Star Inspiral by LIGO Scientific Collaboration and Virgo Collaboration>[Abstract and source-inference discussion: first binary-neutron-star inspiral, mass range and electromagnetic association]{ref}
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