Scientists Devise New Method to Detect Permanent Distortions in Space-Time Left by Massive Supernova Explosions
Published: 2025-01-08 22:36
Source: NSF
Summary:
Scientists have developed a new method to detect permanent distortions in space-time caused by massive supernova explosions. These distortions, known as gravitational waves, are ripples in the fabric of space-time that travel at the speed of light. The new method, which uses data from the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO), is more sensitive than previous methods and could help scientists better understand the nature of supernova explosions and the formation of neutron stars and black holes.
Body:
Supernova explosions are among the most energetic events in the universe. When a massive star explodes, it releases an enormous amount of energy, which causes the star to collapse under its own gravity and form a neutron star or a black hole. The collapse of the star also creates gravitational waves, which are ripples in the fabric of space-time.
Gravitational waves were first detected in 2015 by LIGO, a pair of giant laser interferometers located in Louisiana and Washington. Since then, LIGO has detected dozens of gravitational waves from merging black holes and neutron stars.
The new method, which was developed by a team of scientists from the University of California, Berkeley, and the University of Maryland, uses LIGO data to detect gravitational waves from supernova explosions. The method is more sensitive than previous methods and could help scientists better understand the nature of supernova explosions and the formation of neutron stars and black holes.
“This new method is a breakthrough in our ability to study supernova explosions,” said Saul Teukolsky, a professor of physics at Cornell University who was not involved in the research. “It will allow us to learn more about the physics of these explosions and the formation of neutron stars and black holes.”
The team of scientists who developed the new method published their findings in the journal Physical Review Letters.
Additional Information:
- Gravitational waves are ripples in the fabric of space-time that travel at the speed of light. They are caused by the acceleration of massive objects, such as black holes and neutron stars.
- LIGO is a pair of giant laser interferometers located in Louisiana and Washington. LIGO is designed to detect gravitational waves by measuring the tiny distortions they cause in space-time.
- Supernova explosions are among the most energetic events in the universe. When a massive star explodes, it releases an enormous amount of energy, which causes the star to collapse under its own gravity and form a neutron star or a black hole.
- The new method developed by the team of scientists from the University of California, Berkeley, and the University of Maryland is more sensitive than previous methods and could help scientists better understand the nature of supernova explosions and the formation of neutron stars and black holes.
Scientists devise new method to detect permanent distortions in space-time left by massive supernova explosions
The AI has provided us with the news.
I’ve asked Google Gemini the following question, and here’s its response.
NSF a new article on 2025-01-08 22:36 titled “Scientists devise new method to detect permanent distortions in space-time left by massive supernova explosions”. Please write a detailed article on this news item, including any relevant information. Answers should be in English.
30