How do gravitational waves let scientists study colliding black holes?
Quick Answer
Merging black holes disturb spacetime and create ripples that stretch and squeeze space as they pass Earth. Detectors like LIGO measure these tiny changes in length.
The Full Story
Gravitational waves were predicted by Albert Einstein in 1916 as a consequence of general relativity. When massive objects such as black holes or neutron stars accelerate violently, they can send out waves in spacetime. The Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory, or LIGO, first detected such waves in 2015 from two merging black holes, a discovery announced in 2016. By measuring the signal’s shape, scientists can estimate the masses and spins of the objects involved. This opened a new way to observe the universe beyond light alone.
Key Facts
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