In September of 2017, LIGO scientists detected gravitational waves – a type of wave created by the collision of two objects. This discovery has since inspired many other researchers to begin working on detecting these waves elsewhere in the universe, and with each new detection the possibility that we may have discovered the elusive ‘dark matter’ has increased.
What is LIGO?
LIGO is a pair of detectors that are situated in Hanford, Washington and Livingston, Louisiana. The observatory was started in 2002 as a joint project between the US National Science Foundation (NSF) and the US Department of Energy (DOE). LIGO has since detected gravitational waves from a number of sources including black holes colliding, binary neutron stars merging, and the mergers of large galaxies.
What is a neutron star?
Neutron stars are the smallest and densest form of star. They’re made up of the leftovers from a star that has gone through the nuclear fusion process, but they have only about 1/10th the mass of a regular star. That means they’re incredibly strong and dense, which gives them the ability to hold on to a incredible amount of energy. When two neutron stars collide, they create two incredibly powerful gravitational waves.
Why were these waves detected?
The first gravitational wave was detected in February 2017 as two black holes merged. The second detection was made earlier this month when two neutron stars collided. This collision resulted in three gravitational waves, which were detectable by LIGO using its twin detectors in Hanford, Washington and Livingston, Louisiana.
What does this mean for astronomy?
This discovery marks the beginning of a new era of astronomy that can use gravitational waves to probe the most distant parts of the universe. With more than 100 observatories around the world working together to observe gravitational waves, we’ll be able to learn more about how the universe works and how it evolved.
How did LIGO detect the waves from the neutron star collision?
LIGO is a Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory, and it was designed to detect waves from the collision of two distant neutron stars. The waves were detected on February 11, 2019. The waveforms were analyzed and the results were published in a journal article on February 14, 2019.
What does this discovery mean for astrophysics?
The discovery of gravitational waves based on the collision of two distant neutron stars has reignited interest in the search for other types of waves, such as the ripples in space-time caused by the mysterious dark matter. The detection of these elusive waves at LIGO opens up new possibilities for understanding the universe and its origins.
Conclusion
Astronomers have detected gravitational waves for the second time, this time based on the collision of two distant neutron stars. LIGO is primarily intended to measure gravitational waves, and as such, this discovery is a significant milestone in understanding the universe. This research could help us better understand the origins of heavy elements and black holes, and it has even yielded some potential evidence for a multiverse. So whether you’re an avid astronomy fan or just curious about these amazing phenomena, be sure to keep up with all the latest developments at LIGO!