Gravitational Waves Explained
A new way to look at the universe outside the electromagnetic spectrum.
Albert Einstein predicted the existence of gravitational waves in 1916 in his general theory of relativity.
Gravitational waves are ‘ripples’ in space-time caused by some of the most violent and energetic processes in the Universe. They are created by massive objects such as black holes, neutron stars, moving close to each other or merging with very high acceleration. They are possibly even the remnants of gravitational radiation created by the birth of the Universe itself.
Detecting and analyzing information carried by gravitational waves is allowing astronomers to observe the Universe in a unique way that ever dreamed possible. Historically, scientists have relied almost exclusively on electromagnetic radiation (visible light, X-rays, radio waves, microwaves). Gravitational waves, however, are not part of the electromagnetic spectrum.
The gravitational waves carry information about their origins that is free of the distortions or alterations suffered by electromagnetic radiation as it traverses intergalactic space.
