LIGO
LIGO (Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory) is a large-scale physics experiment aimed at detecting gravitational waves. It consists of two identical detectors located in the United States, one in Hanford, Washington and the other in Livingston, Louisiana. Each detector uses a Michelson interferometer to measure tiny changes in the length of two 4-kilometer-long arms caused by passing gravitational waves. The detectors operate by using lasers to measure the interference pattern of light that has traveled back and forth between mirrors at the ends of the arms. The detection of gravitational waves by LIGO in 2015 confirmed a major prediction of Albert Einstein's general theory of relativity and opened up a new field of astronomy. Since then, LIGO has detected several more gravitational wave events, including mergers of black holes and neutron stars.
Your Previous Searches
Random Picks
- Planetesimals: Planetesimals are small celestial bodies that form through the process of accretion in the early stages of the formation of a planetary system. They are typically between 1 and 1000 kilometers in diameter and are composed of rock, dust, and ... Read More >>
- Gas Compression: Gas compression is the process of reducing the volume of a gas by increasing its pressure. In the context of space and astronautical engineering, gas compression is a critical component of rocket engines and life support systems. Rocket eng ... Read More >>
- Celestial Body: In space and astronautical engineering, a celestial body refers to any natural object in space that is outside of Earth's atmosphere. This includes planets, moons, asteroids, comets, and other objects that orbit a star. Celestial bodies are ... Read More >>
Top News
Check out this interactive map of the early universe, considered largest ever cr...
A team of astronomers have put together the largest, most detailed map of the universe ever created – and you can explore it now....
News Source: USA Today on 2025-06-12
The Vera C. Rubin Observatory is about to totally transform astronomy...
With the ability to scan the entire southern night sky every three days, the huge Vera C. Rubin Observatory could be about to start solving the mysteries of the universe, from dark matter to Planet Ni...
News Source: New Scientist on 2025-06-12
Trump's proposed science cuts will have huge consequences...
The universe will still be there to marvel at, despite brutal cuts set to hit NASA and the National Science Foundation's budgets. But the damage to future research will be long-lasting, says Chanda Pr...
News Source: New Scientist on 2025-06-11
Starlink satellites are leaking radio signals that may ruin astronomy...
Our ability to study faint radio signals from when the first stars began to form is being threatened by SpaceX's Starlink satellites, which seem to be unintentionally leaking radio signals that overpo...
News Source: New Scientist on 2025-06-09
Asteroids around Venus pose possible 'invisible threat' to Earth: Should you be ...
A swarm of large asteroids likely lurking around Venus could one day pose an "invisible threat" to Earth if left unchecked, astronomers have warned....
News Source: USA Today on 2025-06-06