A space-time rippling phenomenon brought on by accelerating masses is known as gravitational waves. These waves are produced when two neutron stars or black holes collide or when a supernova erupts.

Where Do Gravitational Waves Come From?

When two neutron stars or black holes collide, gravitational waves—space-time distortions—are produced. Albert Einstein predicted them 100 years ago, and in September 2015, the first gravitational wave detection was discovered. 

Since gravitational waves are one of the few ways we can analyze events that take place on scales larger than those visible to the human eye, they play a crucial role in our knowledge of the universe. 

The waves were given that name. Because they are produced by a shift in the gravitational field, the General Theory of Relativity’s result that a disturbance creates a shift in space-time is a result.

Did They Happen?

The existence of gravitational waves was finally confirmed on September 14, 2015, when a team of scientists announced that they had observed an event from over a billion years ago using the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO).

LIGO uses two detectors in Washington and Louisiana to measure the distance between them and look for any changes.

Detecting gravitational waves is difficult, but it is crucial to understanding the universe.