THE IMPACT OF LIGO’S DETECTION OF GRAVITATIONAL WAVES (2015-2017)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29121/granthaalayah.v5.i12.2017.5981Keywords:
Gravitational Waves, LIGO, General Relativity, Einstein’s Prediction, Binary Black Hole Merger, GW150914, Multi-Messenger Astronomy, Neutron Star Merger, GW170817, Laser Interferometer, Astrophysics, Virgo Detector, KAGRA, LISA (Laser Interferometer Space Antenna), CosmologyAbstract [English]
The detection of gravitational waves by the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) in 2015 marked a revolutionary breakthrough in astrophysics. This discovery confirmed a key prediction of Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity and opened a new era of observational astronomy. The first detection, GW150914, originated from a binary black hole merger, proving that gravitational waves carry information about distant cosmic events. Subsequent detections, including GW151226, GW170104, and the groundbreaking GW170817, expanded our knowledge of black holes and neutron star mergers. GW170817, the first event observed in both gravitational waves and electromagnetic radiation, established multi-messenger astronomy, allowing scientists to study cosmic phenomena through multiple observational channels. These discoveries have profound implications for astrophysics, enabling precise tests of general relativity and enhancing our understanding of the universe’s most extreme objects. LIGO’s success has paved the way for future advancements in gravitational wave research and international collaborations.
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