Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory

The Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) is a highly sensitive facility that detects ripples in spacetime called gravitational waves, caused by massive cosmic events like merging black holes or neutron stars. It uses laser beams sent down long, vacuum-sealed arms; when gravitational waves pass through, they slightly stretch and squeeze spacetime, causing tiny changes in the arm lengths. These changes are measured by comparing the laser beams, revealing gravitational waves. LIGO's detections help scientists understand the universe’s most extreme phenomena and confirm predictions of Einstein's general relativity.