A chance to show the world Glasgow's scientific expertise
Gravitational waves are generated by some of the Universe's most extreme phenomena, such as the mergers of black holes. The energy carried by gravitational waves is phenomenal – if you could see gravitational waves, one black hole merger would outshine all the stars in the sky combined. However, once gravitational waves travel the astronomical distance to Earth, they are almost imperceptivity small.
Detecting these ripples was one of the great challenges in experimental physics. After decades of research, the twin LIGO detectors in the US (using Glasgow technology) made their first detection in September 2015. This discovery required LIGO to measure a change in length equivalent to less than the size of a single proton over their 4 km length.
This first gravitational-wave signal came from the merger of two black holes, each about 30 times the mass of our Sun. This was the first observation of two black holes merging – a unique test of Einstein's theories – and the first discovery of black holes of that size – a unique insight into the remains left by massive stars.
Since 2015, the pace of discovery has exploded. The LIGO detectors are currently in their fourth observing run, joined by the European Virgo and the Japanese KAGRA detectors. This run has already yielded over 200 detections. These observations will deliver a more precise understanding of gravity, astrophysics and cosmology than ever before.
This week, scientists will discuss the future of gravitational-wave science and plans for new observatories. The first space-based observatory will launch in the 2030s – the LISA mission of the European Space Agency (ESA). LISA will observe more of the gravitational-wave spectrum and detect signals from the mergers of black holes millions of the times the mass of our Sun. These colossal black holes reside in the centres of all galaxies, yet astrophysicists do not know how they form. As part of GR-Amaldi, Prof. Carole Mundell, Director of Science at ESA and University of Glasgow graduate, will give a free public lecture on ESA and LISA.
The GR–Amaldi conference is an opportunity to show the world Glasgow's scientific expertise. Beyond developing gravitational-wave astronomy, spin-out technologies from our research have enabled advancements ranging from monitoring volcanos to generating bone tissue for transplants. The conference also reminds us of what can be achieved through international collaboration. Technological advancements have made gravitational-wave detection an (almost) everyday event. As new connections are made between the world's researchers, we look forward to the next generation of discoveries.
Dr Christopher Berry is a senior lecturer in the School of Physics & Astronomy at the University of Glasgow and a member of the University's Institute for Gravitational Research.
Agenda is a column for outside contributors. Contact: agenda@theherald.co.uk
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