Gravitational Waves and How They Distort Space

universe today ^ | 02/08/2016 | Markus Pössel

[BenLurkin]

February 11, 10:30 EST, there will be a big press conference about gravitational waves by the people running the gravitational wave detector LIGO. It's a fair bet that they will announce the first direct detection of gravitational waves, predicted by Albert Einstein 100 years ago. If all goes as the scientists hope, this will be the kick-off for an era of gravitational wave astronomy: for learning about some of the most extreme and violent events in the cosmos by measuring the tiny ripples of space distortions that emanate from them.

In the words of the eminent relativist John Wheeler, Einstein’s theory of general relativity can be summarized in two statements: Matter tells space and time how to curve. And (curved) space and time tell matter how to move. (Here is a slightly longer version on Einstein Online.)

Einstein published the final form of his theory in November 1915. By spring 1916, he had realized another consequence of distorting space and time: general relativity allows for gravitational waves, rhythmic distortions which propagate through space at the speed of light.

For quite some time, physicists weren't sure whether these gravitational waves were real or a mathematical artifact within Einstein's theory. (For more about this controversy, see Daniel Kennefick's book “Traveling at the Speed of Thought and this article.) But since the 1980s, there has been indirect evidence for these waves (which earned its discoverers a Nobel prize, no less, in 1993).

In the words of the eminent relativist John Wheeler, Einstein’s theory of general relativity can be summarized in two statements: Matter tells space and time how to curve. And (curved) space and time tell matter how to move. (Here is a slightly longer version on Einstein Online.)

[Pete from Shawnee Mission]

So gravitational waves behave in a Glandular-like way?” It looks like peristalsis. Is there a Cat or a Not-Cat somewhere in there to help make it all clearer?

[BwanaNdege]

If our hypothetical circle of particles were as large as the Earth's orbit around the Sun, a realistic gravitational wave would distort it by less than the diameter of a hydrogen atom.

The detector must be a booger to calibrate!

[UCANSEE2]

"It's important to keep in mind that this animation, and the ones that will follow, exaggerate the gravitational wave’s effect quite considerably. The gravitational waves detectors such as as LIGO hope to measure are much, much weaker. If our hypothetical circle of particles were as large as the Earth's orbit around the Sun, a realistic gravitational wave would distort it by less than the diameter of a hydrogen atom."

In laymen's terms, that would be like sitting atop My. Everest, and being able to hear the fluttering of a butterfly's wing in Tokyo.

[txnativegop]

this post is just wrong, and it’s trying to trigger my vertigo! STOP IT!!! LOL

[UCANSEE2]

What’s at the end of the tunnel ?

[UCANSEE2]

Is this taken into consideration when we launch vehicles into space, i.e. vehicles are effected not by where the sun and planets are now, but where they were when the effects of the gravitational field finally reach the vehicle?

That's why we have 'course corrections'.

[huldah1776]

the big bang?

[Smokin' Joe]

Is there a reason gravitational waves can only travel at the speed of light?

I questioned that in a physics class, asking how long it would take for the change in gravitational force from a star to be felt at a distance as the star lost mass.

I was told, in no uncertain terms, that If I ever brought that question up in class or mentioned gravity as a propagated energy form again I would be summarily flunked.

That was an eye opener for me.

I wonder if similar attitudes over "climate change" have cut down on the number of STEM students.

[minnesota_bound]

[InterceptPoint]

Question for anyone with a clue while hoping that we have some real Physics Wiz Kids in the audience.

We all know that gravity waves are hard to detect. That's pretty clear. My question relates to our current knowledge of the magnitude of gravity waves. My concern is that we may be off in our estimate of the level of these waves by a few orders of magnitude. I'm hoping not.

QUESTION: Relative to the magnitude of the disturbances of space caused by the most extreme astronomical events, do we really know what we are looking for in real quantitative terms?

[BenLurkin]

[KarlInOhio]

Your eyelids are getting heavy. You are getting very sleepy. You will send your credit card number to JimRob.

[JJ_Folderol]

That reminds me: I’m due for a colonoscopy.

Hate the laxitive, like the milk of amnesia.

[BenLurkin]

Awesome

[fivecatsandadog]

Ugh. The dreaded V.

[txnativegop]

my can be triggered simply by moving my head to fast in any direction. there are eye-movement exercises that help, but things like that spinning spiral post are terrible to behold for me.

My wife loves to rock my grandson in the rocking chair, I can not watch her do so, because my vertigo will be triggered.

[doorgunner69]

do we really know what we are looking for in real quantitative terms?

Been too many decades since I was only able to comprehend basic electromagnetic theory (vector calculus was not a strong subject) enough to pass. Was surprised as how much weaker the magnetic field was vs. the electric.

Suspect similar with gravitational waves. So weak as to be almost impossible to detect.

[Chode]

And you can fly

High as a kite if you want to

Faster than light if you want to

Speeding through the universe

[Paladin2]

Whatta bout taxation waves distorting the economy.

[steve86]

Keep your eye on a single point of this one without going crosseyed. Sitting, right now, 7 miles from Hanford LIGO but with no inside info.