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As researchers with the Laser Interferometer
Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) announce they
have spotted gravitational waves – ripples in space itself
set off by violent astrophysical events – University of
Canterbury Professor of Physics Dr David Wiltshire discusses what it
means.
The announcement that gravitational waves have been directly
captured for the first time ever, from the collision of two black
holes, opens a new age of astronomy. From now on we will be able to
“listen” to the Universe with “ears” that are
not limited by the electromagnetic spectrum, completely changing our
understanding. It is a moment in history every bit as important as
when Galileo first pointed his telescope at the stars and planets, or
when the first radio, X-ray, infrared or gamma ray telescopes were
first turned on by 20th century astronomers.
... more at Reflections on Science.
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