The Search for Gravitational Waves (Gallery)

Einstein Telescope - Gravitational Wave Observatory

The proposed Einstein Telescope gravitational wave observatory.

Scientists Now Expect to Find Gravitational Waves

A diagram of the LIGO detector, which will detect the ripples in space-time by using a device called a laser interferometer. The time it takes light to travel between suspended mirrors is measured with high precision using controlled laser light.

Hunting for Gravity Waves

A proposed space mission to detect gravitational waves would split atoms to search for minute acceleration changes caused by passing space-time ripples. In this artist's illustration, the red line represents a laser beam connecting the two spacecraft, and the white stars represent the atom interferometers.