The last unproven piece of Einstein’s theory of general relativity has been proven today. Scientists have confirmed that they have direct proof of gravitational waves which are best described as actual ripples in the fabric of space-time. The latest findings are now considered one of the most significant scientific discoveries in recent years as they could provide scientists with new insights into the creation of the universe.
The Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory or LIGO detected the gravitational waves. Director David Reitze compared this discovery to those that Galileo made with his telescope. “I think we’ve done something equally as important,” he said. “I think we’ve opened a new window to the universe.”
A large team of scientists have contributed to this discovery. They hail from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, California Institute of Technology, and the Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory. LIGO has been searching for gravitational waves since 2002 with very sensitive instruments.
The scientists are of the view that gravitational waves were created when two black holes came together some 1.3 billion years ago. It’s believed to be such a strong cosmic collision that they can pick up on the tiny vibrations still with sensitive equipment that relies heavily on mirrors and lasers.
This discovery has been made possible after the LIGO detectors received a major upgrade last year. Since then it was widely believed in scientific circles that the discovery of gravitational waves was merely a matter of time. That has proven to be true now.