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gravitational wave detector

Currently, scientists world wide are attempting the direct measurement of gravitational waves reaching us from the depths of space. They are mainly using two types of detectors: interferometric detectors like GEO600 and the LIGO detectors, and resonant detectors.

For more informations about gravitational waves, please consult the chapter Gravitational waves of Elementary Einstein.

Definitioner

waves (wave)

In a general sense: any travelling pattern, whether or not it involves matter being transported as well. Simple examples are water-waves - wave crests and troughs travelling over a water surface, and a Mexican wave in a football stadium, with fans alternately standing up and sitting down - the pattern moves throught the stadium, not the fans themselves.

An especially simple form for a wave is a sinus wave, a regular pattern of wave crests and troughs.

gravitational waves

Distortions of space geometry that propagate through space with the speed of light, analogous to ripples on the surface of a pond propagating as water waves. For more informations about gravitational waves, please consult the chapter Gravitational waves of Elementary Einstein. Selected aspects of gravitational wave physics are described in the category Gravitational waves of our Spotlights on relativity.

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gravitational wave detector

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