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| Image Source: See Popular Science link Simulation of Gravitational Waves NASA researchers simulated the gravitational waves that would be produced when two black holes merged. |
A century ago, Albert Einstein hypothesized the existence of gravitational waves, small ripples in space and time that dash across the universe at the speed of light.
But scientists have been able to find only indirect evidence of their existence. On Thursday, at a news conference called by the U.S. National Science Foundation, researchers may announce at long last direct observations of the elusive waves.
Such a discovery would represent a scientific landmark, opening the door to an entirely new way to observe the cosmos and unlock secrets about the early universe and mysterious objects like black holes and neutron stars.
Scientists from the California Institute of Technology, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the LIGO Scientific Collaboration are set to make what they bill as a "status report" on Thursday on the quest to detect gravitational waves. It is widely expected they will announce they have achieved their goal.
Related Links:
Ars Technica:
Live Blog: Scientists to announce major gravitational wave finding
(10:30 EST, 15:30 GMT, 15 minutes early suggested)
Popular Science:
What Are Gravitational Waves And Why Do They Matter?
Sophie Bushwick
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