Scientists have said that they have finally detected gravitational waves, the ripples in the fabric of space-time that Albert Einstein predicted a century ago.
Highlights
- 37 Indians among global team of scientists studying gravitational waves
- Years ago, 2 Indian scientists predicted how the waves could be detected
- India could get own Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory
A billion years after the violent collision of two black holes in space, scientists have glimpsed
gravitational waves, which travel at the speed of light and cannot be stopped or blocked by anything.
The
landmark discovery for physics of ripples in space-time, which Albert Einstein predicted a century ago, is the result of a worldwide collaboration between scientists. 37 Indians were part of the global effort of nearly 1,000 experts.
The discovery of gravitational waves "may inaugurate a new era of astronomy in which gravitational waves are tools for studying the most mysterious and exotic objects in the universe," said
The Washington Post.
The wobble that was generated after the black holes collided hurtled through space and was picked up by some of the world's most sophisticated machines in September last year. Think about it - these gravitational waves originated
1.3 billion years ago.
Nearly a decade ago, the method of how to detect gravitational waves was proposed by Sanjeev Dhurandhar and Satya Prakash who worked at the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics in Pune.
37 other scientists from top research centres and labs in Mumbai, Pune and Bengaluru provided crucial research for the worldwide experiment.
The machines that gave scientists their first-ever glimpse at gravitational waves are the most advanced detectors ever built for sensing tiny vibrations in the universe. The two US-based underground detectors are known as the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory, or LIGO for short.
India is aiming to get the world's third LIGO at an estimated cost of 1,000 crores. As part of the ongoing Indo-US cooperation in science and technology, America will provide India with nearly $140 million of equipment.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a known space buff, tweeted last night about India and the LIGO.
Scientists in India are excited that when the detector is up and running in India, they will be able to pinpoint from where exactly these sounds of the Universe have been emerging.