LIGO Detects Gravitational Waves from Merging Black Holes
Explanation:
Gravitational radiation has been directly detected.
The first-ever detection was made by both
facilities of the
Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave
Observatory (LIGO) in
Washington and
Louisiana simultaneously last
September.
After numerous consistency checks, the resulting
5-sigma
discovery was
published today.
The measured
gravitational
waves
match those expected from two large black holes merging after a
death spiral in a distant
galaxy,
with the resulting new black hole momentarily vibrating in a rapid
ringdown.
A phenomenon
predicted by
Einstein,
the historic discovery confirms a cornerstone of humanity's understanding of
gravity and basic physics.
It is also the most direct detection of
black holes
ever.
The featured illustration depicts the
two merging black holes
with the signal strength of the two detectors over 0.3 seconds superimposed across
the bottom.
Expected future detections by
Advanced LIGO and
other
gravitational wave detectors may not only confirm the spectacular nature of
this
measurement but hold
tremendous promise
of giving humanity a
new way to see and explore our universe.
Authors & editors:
Robert Nemiroff
(MTU) &
Jerry Bonnell
(USRA)
NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings,
and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris.
Specific
rights apply.
A service of:
LHEA at
NASA /
GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
