Gravitational Wave Astronomy
Gravitational-wave astronomy is an emerging branch of observational astronomy which aims to use gravitational waves (minute distortions of spacetime predicted by Einstein's theory of general relativity) to collect observational data about objects such as neutron stars and black holes, about events such as supernovae and about the early universe shortly after the big bang. The Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory or LIGO, a joint project between MIT and Caltech is spearheading this new field of research along with equally ambitious projects such as LISA, VIRGO, TAMA 300 and GEO 600.
Read more about Gravitational Wave Astronomy: Development
Famous quotes containing the words wave and/or astronomy:
“Through this broad street, restless ever,
Ebbs and flows a human tide,
Wave on wave a living river;
Wealth and fashion side by side;
Toiler, idler, slave and master, in the same quick current glide.”
—John Greenleaf Whittier (1807–1892)
“It is noticed, that the consideration of the great periods and spaces of astronomy induces a dignity of mind, and an indifference to death.”
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)