The First Detection of Gravitational Waves

Overview

On 14 September 2015 the LIGO observatories recorded a ripple in spacetime from two merging black holes 1.3 billion light-years away — the first direct detection of gravitational waves.

Why it matters

Confirmed a century-old prediction of general relativity and opened gravitational-wave astronomy. The LIGO leaders received the 2017 Nobel Prize in Physics.

Objects & facilities

Bearing on theory

Confirmed

General Relativity

Knowledge connections

Sources & references

Facts on this topic will be cited from these primary and reference sources.

NASANational Aeronautics and Space Administration
Mission data, planetary science, space telescopes, and public-domain imagery.
Most NASA-produced imagery is in the public domain; individual items are checked for usage terms before publication.
The Nobel PrizeThe Nobel Foundation
Official record of Nobel laureates, prize motivations, and award years.

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