Image for European Gravitational Observatory

European Gravitational Observatory

The European Gravitational Observatory (EGO) is a research facility located in Italy that focuses on detecting gravitational waves—ripples in space-time caused by massive cosmic events like merging black holes or neutron stars. It houses the Virgo detector, which uses powerful lasers and advanced mirrors to measure incredibly tiny changes in distance, helping scientists observe these waves. By studying gravitational waves, researchers aim to deepen our understanding of the universe, including its origins and the behavior of celestial objects. EGO is a key player in international collaborations to enhance gravitational wave astronomy.