Gravitational waves are ripples in the fabric of spacetime caused by accelerating massive objects, such as merging black holes or neutron stars. They propagate outward at the speed of light and carry information about their origins and the nature of gravity.
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Gravitational waves were first predicted by Albert Einstein in 1916 as a consequence of his General Theory of Relativity.
The first direct detection of gravitational waves was made on September 14, 2015, by the LIGO observatory.
Gravitational waves can provide information about cosmic events that are not possible to observe with electromagnetic radiation alone.
Merger events between black holes or neutron stars are primary sources of detectable gravitational waves.
Gravitational wave astronomy opens a new window into studying phenomena such as black hole mergers, neutron star collisions, and even potential insights into the early universe.
Review Questions
What causes gravitational waves?
When was the first direct detection of gravitational waves made and by which observatory?
How do gravitational waves differ from electromagnetic radiation in terms of astronomical observations?
A type of compact star composed primarily of neutrons, remnants after a supernova explosion.
LIGO (Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory): An observatory designed to detect cosmic gravitational waves and to develop gravitational-wave observations as an astronomical tool.