Advanced LIGO

Advanced LIGO (Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory) is a large-scale project designed to detect gravitational waves—ripples in spacetime caused by massive cosmic events like black hole mergers. It employs two long, perpendicular arms equipped with powerful lasers to measure incredibly tiny changes in distance, as gravitational waves pass through Earth. By analyzing these changes, scientists can gain insights into phenomena that were previously invisible, enhancing our understanding of the universe's most violent and energetic processes. This groundbreaking technology marks a significant advancement in the field of astrophysics and gravitational wave astronomy.