I think it was inevitable that the detection of gravitational waves would win a Nobel prize. There may have been issues in who to award it to as I believe it can be shared by up to three people. It is an amazing feat. Einstein predicted these ripples in space time, but didn't think we would be able to detect them. Even with the massive detectors that have been built (4km long) they are still looking for an effect that changes the length by something smaller than an atom. The LIGO detectors use mirrors to make the effective length over 1000km. Even a passing car could mask an incoming signal.
They are looking for signals from massive events where black holes collide and combine. Much of the mass is converted into energy that we can now detect. There events may have happened billions of years ago across the universe.
There are two detectors in the USA (LIGO) and a third in Italy (Virgo). They can combine the signals to get some idea of where the signal came from. That requires some clever science and some very accurate clocks.
Some science can be done by one person in a laboratory, but studies of the very large and very small seem to require massive projects and collaboration across countries. It's another reasons we need to think beyond national borders for the good of all.
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This was one of the most exciting news in physics last year... It is still fascinating to thing about it, gravity acting in a waveform through space... It makes us thing that space is indeed something we can bend, that only idea is mind blowing...
Btw, didnt knew you where into physics! ;)
I love science and space. We're still learning things
This has tweaked my celestial curiosity. I may have to pull out the 12" Mirror and scan the stars this evening!
Great article Steve.
Is a shame we cant see these waves, but I'm sure you'll have a great view anyway
Overcast last night so we'll have to try another night.
This is really fascinating stuff! There is so much to learn for us humans and cross-border collaboration can really help humanity as a whole to gain more and more knowledge and understanding about the universe we live in.
Hi Steve,
I think that for the matter of fairness with respect to Europeans, it would be nice to add a link for the "third detector in Italy". The latter is not part of the LIGO experiment, but consists of the VIRGO experiment. Thanks in advance for your consideration.
And thanks for your article by the way. It is short and good. I was really afraid of what could be posted on Steemit concerning the Nobel prize in physics. At least, one good article is available ^^
Done. I'm happy to give credit. There are science fans here as well as some who go for some dodgy theories.
I agree. Hopefully, #science is starting to be better on steemit for a couple of weeks ;)
Nobel prize is the best prize and you deserve it steevc. I resteemed your post to my 330+ followers!
Congrats to your article!! Steem On!
It's exciting times this science could change everything as we not it in regards to physics.
Big up to the scientist who have worked really hard to get here, it takes hard work and a lot of effert, and the science behind it is incredible
I think it was inevitable
you have been followed
I've seen all your articles,
you are a great article writer,
I really like all your articles
@steevc
very exciting times we are living in. thanks for your post
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Great Words to live by!!!!