MIT Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory

The MIT Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) is a scientific facility designed to detect gravitational waves, which are ripples in spacetime caused by massive events like merging black holes or neutron stars. LIGO uses laser beams and mirrors placed in long arms set at right angles to each other. When a gravitational wave passes through, it slightly alters the lengths of the arms, allowing scientists to measure these tiny changes. By detecting gravitational waves, LIGO helps deepen our understanding of the universe, confirming aspects of Einstein's theory of General Relativity and enabling new insights into cosmic events.