Posted on 06/08/2015 12:09:44 PM PDT by BenLurkin
The idea is when mass moves or changes, Einstein said that there should be gravitational ripples produced in spacetime.
Our problem is that the size and effect of gravitational waves is incredibly small. We need to find the most catastrophic events in the Universe if we hope even detect them.
A supernova detonating asymmetrically, or two supermassive black holes orbiting each other, or a Galactus family reunion; are the magnitude of events we’re looking for.
The most serious attempt to detect gravitational waves is the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory, or LIGO detector, in the United States. It has two facilities separated by 3000 km. Each detector carefully watches for any gravitational waves passing through by the length of time it takes for laser pulses to bounce within a 4km long sealed vacuum.
If a gravitational wave is detected, the two observatories use triangulation to determine its magnitude and direction. At least, that was the plan from 2002 to 2010. The problem was, it didn’t detect any gravitational waves for its entire run.
...
By watching the extremely regular energy blasts coming from pulsars, astronomers track exactly how quickly they’re radiating their energy away due to gravitational waves. So far, all the observations perfectly match the predictions of relativity. We just haven’t detected those gravitational waves directly… yet.
(Excerpt) Read more at universetoday.com ...
Does Obama's re-election qualify?
If a Wave is a female in the Navy then a Gravitational Wave would be an exceptionally good looking one.
So Einstein could have been wrong. Factor that into your sure theories of the universe. Humanity knows nothing.
I thought gravitational waves are what makes people fall down for no apparent reason.
There’s a potential supernova only 8000 light years away and if it’s already gone supernova and the gamma burst arrives here next week (for example), it might also bring with it our first measurable gravitational waves.
If a Wave is a female in the Navy then a Gravitational Wave would be an exceptionally good looking one.
So, then a Wave that was looking to get pregnant and
get out would be an exceptionally gravid notional one?
Cowabunga! Surf’s up!
yes. it created a rip in space-time, we fell through and now live in a bizarre universe
Don’t hit me with those gravitational waves so early in the morning.
Comment below article is interesting.
“MarcusAurelius
The lack of initial results makes me think that being inside a gravity well may dampen the gravity waves – much like how an oscillating string could have it’s amplitude reduced by tightening the string itself. Hopefully the upgrade finds some results.
More Albie, please!”
So Einstein could have been wrong. Factor that into your sure theories of the universe. Humanity knows nothing.
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Indeed he could have been. We have been attempting to detect these elusive waves at least as far back as the mid-50’s. Personally I’m doubtful that they will be detected.
But I am nevertheless curious as to how the scientists calculate the size of an event (galaxies colliding!!) required to produce a detectable wave.
Are the scientists guessing? Can they actually calculate the expected magnitude of gravitational waves?
I wonder. But then I’m a born sceptic.
I’ve read on these before, both in scifi and physics texts.
We, sitting here on Earth, a creator of these waves,
demonstrated by our hold on that big thing in the
night sky, find it hard to catch these waves from
‘out there’.
These waves are among the few ways of detecting
what is called ‘dark matter’.
I wish them luck.
Gravity should have wave-particle duality, so look for the gravitons. I
keep looking, but the bosons and quarks keep getting in the way...
Indeed he could have been. We have been attempting to detect these elusive waves at least as far back as the mid-50’s. Personally I’m doubtful that they will be detected.
...
I think they’ve already been detected indirectly.
I think they’ve already been detected indirectly
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Well I suppose. The author of the article makes that claim. But I need to see that blip on an oscilloscope or something equivalent. This theory is or is about to be 100 years old. Time to put up or shut up on Gravitatioal Waves.
If I don’t hear back from the scientists in the next year or so with some real results I may have to issue a Proclamation of Doubt covering Gravitational Wave Theory.
Never understood why they called them waves instead of field lines. I’d expect the grav field lines to align with the electromagnetic field lines in every respect except magnitude.
Why wouldn’t a model of grav field lines moving through speace result in similar results as one of em field lines moving through space?
Galactus doesn’t have a family.
“What are Gravitational Waves?”
That would be Moochelle’s butt as she moves towards the gravy train.
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