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Gravitational Waves

Ripples in space-time created by the stretching and squeezing effects of massive objects, notably supernovae, binary black holes, and binary neutron stars. Gravity waves are transverse waves, meaning that they stretch and squeeze space-time in directions perpendicular to the wave’s motion. Einstein’s Theory of General Relativity predicts the existence of gravity waves, but they have not yet been detected.

Radio Programs

Explode or Not? A pair of stars with an unclear fate July 9, 2023

Back to Work Back to work for a prize-winning observatory May 9, 2023

Noisy Mergers Defying gravity — for a little while May 8, 2023

Swift Kick A black hole that’s getting away August 23, 2022

Moon and Saturn Using the Moon as a scientific instrument June 17, 2022

Pulsar Timing Timing the motions of giant black holes February 8, 2022

Cosmic ‘Hum’ Humming along through the universe May 20, 2021

Looking for Wormholes Looking for passageways to other universes May 19, 2021

Taking a Break An amazing observatory gets an upgrade May 18, 2021

Multiple Messengers Different messages from the universe May 17, 2021

Heavy Merger “Jiggles” from a heavyweight merger November 27, 2019

LIGO II Listening for black holes February 20, 2019

LIGO Whipping up space and time February 19, 2019

Making a Black Hole Making a little black hole September 14, 2018

Building Big Black Holes Building bigger black holes June 26, 2018

Pulsars III Timing ripples in space and time November 29, 2017

Featured Images

Coalescence June 30, 2021
Two black holes prepare to merge

Getting Together July 2, 2020

Rippling Through Space February 19, 2019
Artist's concept of two neutron stars merging to make a black hole

Violent Merger September 14, 2018
Computer simulation of merging black holes

Dark Ripples June 30, 2016
Launch of Lisa Pathfinder

Gravity Bound December 2, 2015