In brief : The fundamentals and the revolution initiated by the detection of gravitational waves Traditional astronomy primarily relies on the observation of electromagnetic waves, such as visible light, X-rays, gamma rays, or radio waves. These photons reveal a multitude of information about celestial objects, but certain phenomena remained inaccessible before the advent of gravitational … Read more
Gravitational waves embody a major breakthrough in the understanding of the universe. These subtle oscillations of the fabric of spacetime, predicted over a century ago by Albert Einstein’s general relativity, resonate through the universe with imperceptible cosmic vibrations. Their detection has opened a new window onto extreme astrophysical phenomena, such as black hole mergers, which … Read more
At the frontier of modern cosmology, primordial gravitational waves present themselves as a fundamental enigma for deciphering the history of the universe. These subtle oscillations in the very structure of spacetime are thought to have emerged during the very first moments of the cosmos, shortly after the Big Bang, and carry precious information about the … Read more
IN BRIEF Gravitational waves: oscillations of the curvature of space-time. Produced by cosmic events such as supernovae and black holes. Validation of general relativity by Albert Einstein in 1916. Detection possible thanks to installations like LIGO. Important consequences for modern astrophysics and the study of universes. Access to invisible phenomena that enrich our understanding of … Read more