Scientists detect gravitational waves predicted by Einstein hundred years ago

Scientists analysed signals produced by the gravitational waves and from this were able to further understand information relating to anatomical objects within space. This very first detection of gravitational waves, for example, showed that black holes orbit around each other and merge to form one giant black hole. In addition to confirming the existence of gravitational waves and further vindicating Einstein’s theory of general relativity, this experiment also provided us with the strongest evidence yet for the existence of black holes, which have only been observed indirectly until this point. Basically, we can hear the heart beats of the universe.

With a $1 billion facility called the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory, or LIGO. This announcement concludes an worldwide and decades-long effort – both experimental and theoretical – to design and construct instruments sensitive enough to detect these waves. But not all objects emit radiation, like colliding black holes or the smoking gun of the Big Bang – don’t emit any electromagnetic radiation. Before Einstein could reject his gravitational waves idea, Robertson indirectly influenced Einstein to change his mind. LIGO executive director David Reitze said that the event consisted of “two black holes spiraling into one another and merging”, which is impossible to see with light or electromagnetic radiation, but possible to spot with gravitational waves.

Scientists here at the University of Birmingham have been involved in the ground-breaking detection of gravitational waves, a discovery which has been dubbed as the biggest scientific breakthrough of the century.

Professor Stephen Hawking stated that the gravitational waves could provide new perspective on astronomy. But Raab said, now it’s time to party like scientists.

“It’s a testament to being able to detect the tiniest signal”, said McConville. He says the next run will represent “a significant boost in sensitivity, where we expect we might be seeing events like this several times a month”.

But, did you know which of the 1000 scientists, who work on the historic project LIGO, a pair of ground-based observatories in Hanford, Washington, and Livingston, Louisiana, was the first to spot the long-awaited signal? And when they get to the Earth, the waves pass through, and contract and expand the planet as the wave goes by.