Searching for—and finding!—gravitational waves

Abstract

We describe the search for gravitational waves of astrophysical origin with ground-based interferometric LIGO (Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory) and Virgo detectors, and we provide details about the successful detection of signals from the merger of black holes. Three signals from similar systems were detected on Earth on September 14 and December 26, 2015, and January 4, 2017. We also describe the exciting future of the field of gravitational wave astronomy.We describe the search for gravitational waves of astrophysical origin with ground-based interferometric LIGO (Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory) and Virgo detectors, and we provide details about the successful detection of signals from the merger of black holes. Three signals from similar systems were detected on Earth on September 14 and December 26, 2015, and January 4, 2017. We also describe the exciting future of the field of gravitational wave astronomy.