Observing Gravitational Waves and a Revolution in Astronomy

Astronomers have succeeded in detecting waves generated by the collision of two neutron stars that occurred 130 million years ago. According to the Washington Post, 130 million years ago, the cores of two melting stars collided, and the gamma rays resulting from this explosion have recently been recorded on Earth. The explosion caused by the collision of these two neutron stars millions of years ago, which scientists say led to the creation of a black hole, generated gravitational waves in space. The importance of observing the waves from this explosion lies in the fact that this is the first astronomical phenomenon observed by both traditional telescopes (capable of detecting electromagnetic waves such as gamma rays) and the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO). According to Einstein's general relativity theory, mass can curve spacetime, resulting in a gravitational field that can bend light. The gravitational waves created by this gravitational field spread throughout the universe. Scientists have only recently succeeded in observing these gravitational waves. (The Nobel Prize in Physics in 2017 was awarded to three scientists who tracked and proved these waves.) According to The Guardian, after the gravitational waves from this explosion are detected at two LIGO observatories (in Washington and Louisiana, USA), scientists broadcast the news worldwide. Thousands of researchers in over 70 laboratories and observatories around the world can record the electromagnetic waves from this explosion using telescopes and satellites. This is the result that scientists have been waiting for since the first gravitational waves were observed by the LIGO project two years ago. Dave Reitze, the LIGO project director, says, "What is astonishing about this discovery is that for the first time we can obtain a complete picture of one of the most terrifying and violent events in the universe." This discovery will allow astrophysicists for the first time to use two key elements, light and gravity, in studying and observing the universe. Ms. Julie McEnery, an astrophysicist at NASA, believes this event will transform the world of astronomy. She says, "We will be able to merge different ways of observing the universe. I think that is why our level of knowledge will increase rapidly."