Discovery of Gravitational Waves from Black Hole Merger
Scientists have recently reported the detection of gravitational waves from a merger of two black holes, marking the largest such event observed to date. This discovery is significant for several reasons.
Understanding Gravitational Waves
- Gravitational waves are ripples in spacetime, analogous to ripples in water caused by a boat. They are a result of movements of massive objects.
- These waves were first theorized in Albert Einstein's General Theory of Relativity in 1915 but were only detected in 2015 using the Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory (LIGO) in the United States.
Details of the Recent Discovery
- The recent merger involved black holes more massive than previously observed, with one being 140 times the mass of the Sun and the other 100 times.
- The resulting merged black hole was about 225 times the mass of the Sun, surpassing the previous record from 2021 of 80 and 65 solar masses.
- Existing theories suggest black holes in the 100-150 solar mass range should not exist, as their progenitor stars are thought to end differently.
- At least one black hole involved was spinning close to the limits set by the General Theory of Relativity.
Significance of the Discovery
- This event challenges current theories on black hole formation and the evolution of stars.
- It could refine our understanding of the universe and its models.
- Gravitational waves provide a new method to study the universe, especially in areas dominated by dark matter and dark energy, which are invisible to traditional electromagnetic methods.
Gravitational Wave Observatories
- The first gravitational wave detection was made by LIGO observatories in the U.S.
- Additional observatories have since been established, including the Virgo detector in Italy and the KAGRA in Japan, forming the LVK collaboration.
- LIGO is set to expand with a new observatory in India, named LIGO-India, though construction has been delayed.
- The project, now approved with a budget of Rs 2,600 crore, will be located in Hingoli district, Maharashtra, with completion expected by April 2030.