Advanced Virgo

Advanced Virgo is a highly sensitive observatory located in Italy that detects gravitational waves—minute ripples in spacetime caused by massive cosmic events like black hole mergers. It uses long, carefully isolated laser interferometers—large tunnels with mirrors—to measure tiny changes in distance caused by passing gravitational waves. When these waves arrive, they slightly alter the length of the tunnels, which Advanced Virgo detects with extraordinary precision. Operating alongside other detectors worldwide, it helps scientists understand violent cosmic phenomena, test Einstein’s theory of general relativity, and explore the universe’s most energetic events.