Gravitational Waves: Ripples in the Fabric of Spacetime

Predicted by Einstein's General Theory of Relativity: Gravitational waves are ripples in the fabric of spacetime that propagate outward from massive accelerating objects. They were first predicted by Albert Einstein in 1916 as a consequence of his General Theory of Relativity.

Direct Detection in 2015: After decades of searching, the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) made history by directly detecting gravitational waves for the first time on September 14, 2015. The detection was the result of the collision of two black holes, confirming a fundamental prediction of Einstein's theory.

Cosmic Events as Sources: Gravitational waves are generated by cataclysmic events in the universe, such as the merging of two black holes or neutron stars. These cosmic events release an immense amount of energy in the form of gravitational waves that propagate through space at the speed of light.

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