Detecting gravitational waves

Detecting gravitational waves involves measuring tiny ripples in spacetime caused by massive, accelerating objects like merging black holes or neutron stars. Instruments like LIGO use highly sensitive laser interferometers to detect minute changes in the length of their arms—smaller than a proton—by analyzing patterns of laser light. When a gravitational wave passes through Earth, it slightly stretches and squeezes space, altering the distance between mirrors in the detector. By comparing signals from multiple detectors worldwide, scientists confirm the waves' origin and properties, opening a new way to observe and understand cosmic events.