Curious why today’s gravity waves announcement is a big deal? Check out this great article and video from Dennis Overbye about how we detected them (via two black holes colliding) and why it matters scientists have long sought-after proof of a lesser-known theory of Albert Einstein.
As NPR’s Geoff Brumfiel reports, the gravity wave detection is also a big deal for scientists studying black holes.
This is, arguably, the most direct observation of black holes ever made. Because black holes are (as their name implies) “black”, they can’t be seen with ordinary telescopes. Up until now, their existence has been inferred by looking at the stars and gas swirling around them. This gravitational signal comes directly from the holes, and it is virtually incontrovertible proof that the holes are out there.
In case you’re curious, here’s more information about LIGO, the instrument that detected the waves.
(Image Credit: R. Hurt/Caltech-JPL)
Gravity waves!!! Physics!!!
via Tumblr http://bit.ly/1U8u9e7
No comments:
Post a Comment