For the first time, scientists have observed ripples in the fabric of spacetime, called gravitational waves, arriving at the earth from a cataclysmic event in the distant universe. This confirms a major prediction of Albert Einstein’s 1915 general theory of relativity and opens an unprecedented new window onto the cosmos.
The gravitational waves were detected on Sept. 14, 2015, at 4:51 a.m. CST by both of the twin Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory, or LIGO, detectors, located in Livingston, La., and Hanford, Wash.
LSU’s investment in gravitational-wave detection spans more than four decades, and is among the longest of the institutions contributing to the present discovery. LSU faculty, students and scholars have had leading roles in the development of several generations of gravitational wave detectors, in their commissioning and operation as well as the collaborations formed.
Learn more about this historic discovery on Friday, March 11, in 130 Nicholson Hall at 3:30 p.m., as Gabriela González, LSU professor of physics & astronomy and spokesperson for the LIGO Scientific Collaboration, and Joseph Giaime, LSU professor of physics & astronomy and observatory head for LIGO Livingston, present "Observation of Gravitational Waves."
Light refreshments will be provided*
Related Links:
-
Gravitational Waves Detected 100 Years After Einstein's Prediction
-
LIGO Livingston video: https://youtu.be/6v_3JW9P9rk
-
NSF press conference archived video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aEPIwEJmZyE
-
Observation of Gravitational Waves from a Binary Black Hole Merger, Physical Review Letters: http://journals.aps.org/prl/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevLett.116.061102