Short Bytes: Gravitational waves are ripples created in the curvature of spacetime. These waves propagate in the space travelling outward from the source. The theory of gravitational waves was predicted first by Albert Einstein in 1916 which was a part of of his theory of general relativity. Theoretically, gravitational waves transport energy as gravitational radiations.
Update: For the first time, scientists have observed ripples in the fabric of spacetime called gravitational waves, arriving at the earth from a cataclysmic event in the distant universe. This confirms a major prediction of Albert Einstein’s 1915 general theory of relativity and opens an unprecedented new window onto the cosmos. (Scimex.org)
The theory of gravitational waves was predicted first by Albert Einstein in 1916 which was a part of his theory of general relativity. Since then, it would be the first time until February 11, 2016, Gravitational waves might get detected. However, the physicists and the scientists will have to either confirm or refute the rumors. Once the theory of gravitational waves would be affirmed, it would help mankind in understanding how the universe works.
Gravitational waves can be created during the birth and collision of black holes. These waves can travel as far as to the distant galaxies and that’s what, this time, scientists are waiting to detect.
Black holes are the most gravitationally powerful objects in existence. They are also the densest objects found in the Universe. Thus, a fierce collision of two black holes should initiate a burst of gravitational waves that we might detect here on Earth sitting on another galaxy.
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To detect these waves, Columbia University in New York is hosting a “major” event the morning of February 11, 2016.
According to the Einstein’s theory of general relativity, gravity is treated as a phenomenon resulting from the curvature of spacetime. This spacetime curvature is an effect of the presence of mass. The amount of gravity is proportional to the amount of mass. As more mass is contained within a given volume of space, greater the curvature of spacetime will be at the boundary of this volume.
The problem with the detection of Gravitational waves is that they are not easily detectable. When these waves reach the Earth, they have a small amplitude. To detect a wave of very small amplitude, scientists need an extremely sensitive detector which can cancel out the noises from the other sources.
Let’s see how far on February 11, 2016, scientists will be able to detect the waves.