February 10, 2016
1 min read
How to Hunt for Gravitational Waves [Slide Show]
Various experiments seek different versions of this highly sought-after phenomenon
Researchers hunt for three main categories of gravitational waves. Massive bodies moving or merging, such as two black holes or two neutron stars orbiting each other until they collide, as well as the explosion of a supernova, cause ripples strong enough to be measurable on Earth. There are also much older waves thought to have originated in the young universe. Lower frequency, harder-to-detect signals from black holes at the centers of galaxies could be discerned in space. Another way of discovering these waves is via the incredibly precise bursts of radio emission from spinning stars called pulsars. Finally, some researchers have their sights set on the original burst of primordial gravitational waves. These waves would create a unique pattern in the cosmic microwave background of ancient light that pervades the universe.
NASA