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ClearIAS » Current Affairs Notes » Gravitational Waves: Einstein Was Right!

Gravitational Waves: Einstein Was Right!

Last updated on February 11, 2016 by Alex Andrews George

Einstein was right! Albert Einstein predicted the existence of gravitational waves a century ago. Now, scientists confirmed the detection of gravitational waves. This is one of the biggest discoveries of modern science.

What are Gravitational Waves?

In simple terms, gravitational waves are ripples in the fabric of space-time created by the movement of mass.

Gravitational waves are caused by the movement of mass. These are mostly too small to be detected, so we need to look for waves that begin with massive events like the Big Bang, the collapse of stars and the collision of black holes.

Discovery of Gravitational Waves

Researchers working with the recently upgraded Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) — a set of two identical observatories located in Washington and Louisiana — revealed that they have directly seen the ripples in space-time, which are known as gravitational waves, created by two black holes that collided 1.3 billion years ago.

What does that mean? Two black holes collides some 1300,000,000 years ago creating gravitational waves. Our scientists just discovered the waves of the past event. The scope? Massive. Gravitational waves can tell a lot about the history of our universe.

Gravitational waves

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This discovery comes 100 years after Einstein first theorized gravitational waves. The waves were detected on Sept. 14, 2015, scientists said. Since then, scientists have been evaluating their findings to make sure they were accurate. There is no doubt that the discovery will usher in a new age of research and discovery for physicists around the world.

Einstein’s Prediction about Gravitational Waves

Albert Einstein predicted the existence of gravitational waves in his general theory of relativity a century ago, and scientists have been attempting to detect them for 50 years. Einstein pictured these waves as ripples in the fabric of space-time produced by massive, accelerating bodies, such as black holes orbiting each other. Scientists are interested in observing and characterizing these waves to learn more about the sources producing them and about gravity itself.

Significance of the discovery

  • Gravitational waves can distort the space-time, around other objects, including Earth.
  • The discovery of gravitational waves also confirms that black holes really do exist.
  • The discovery will open a door to millions of new discoveries.
  • The new discovery also confirms one of Einstein’s strangest predictions put forth as part of his general theory of relativity 100 years ago.
  • If we could detect the waves properly, then it would enable us to “see” the development of black holes and the development of stars.
  • We would be able to understand the beginnings and formation of the universe, and many of its most mysterious parts.
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About Alex Andrews George

Alex Andrews George is a mentor, author, and entrepreneur. Alex is the founder of ClearIAS and one of the expert Civil Service Exam Trainers in India.

He is the author of many best-seller books like 'Important Judgments that transformed India' and 'Important Acts that transformed India'.

A trusted mentor and pioneer in online training, Alex's guidance, strategies, study-materials, and mock-exams have helped thousands of aspirants to become IAS, IPS, and IFS officers.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Nimesh Gupta says

    February 11, 2016 at 11:04 pm

    Thanku sir ☺

    Reply
  2. divyanshu says

    February 13, 2016 at 8:39 pm

    how could this theory depict the formation of black holes as the theory itself is proved by collision of 2 black holes

    Reply
  3. Bhawna says

    February 24, 2016 at 9:52 pm

    Divyanshu this theory was not already proved… Earlier it was assumed that black holes exist but now they have proved it…that time it was only their assumption…

    Reply
  4. Surya Yadav says

    June 15, 2016 at 8:34 pm

    That is really imagine discovery in science

    Reply

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