STM Journals Peer-reviewed research from Consortium e-Learning Network

International Journal of Universe Review Article

Gravitational Waves: Heralding a Transformative and Unprecedented Era in Astrophysical Observation and Exploration

  1. Mamta Verma Department of Civil Engineering Bansal College of Engineering, Mandideep, Bhopal
  2. Kirti Verma Department of Engineering Mathematics, Gyan Ganga Institute of Technology and Sciences Jabalpur

Abstract

Gravitational waves, first theorized by Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity in 1916, are disturbances in spacetime caused by the acceleration of massive objects. Their first direct observation in 2015 by the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) marked a groundbreaking achievement in astrophysics and created a new way to explore the universe. This review paper provides a comprehensive overview of gravitational waves, including their theoretical foundation, sources, detection techniques, and implications for modern astrophysics and cosmology. Key developments from ground-based detectors such as LIGO and Virgo to planned space-based missions like LISA are discussed. Furthermore, we examine the role of gravitational waves in probing black hole mergers, neutron star collisions, and early universe phenomena. The paper concludes by highlighting future directions and challenges in gravitational wave astronomy, emphasizing its potential to reshape our understanding of fundamental physics

Keywords

References (10)

  1. Einstein, A. (1916). Approximate Integration of the Field Equations of Gravitation.
  2. Abbott, B. P. et al. (2016). Observation of Gravitational Waves from a Binary Black Hole Merger. Physical Review Letters.
  3. Abbott, B. P. et al. (2017). GW170817: Observation of a Binary Neutron Star Inspiral.
  4. Schutz, B. F. (2009). A First Course in General Relativity.
  5. Maggiore, M. (2008). Gravitational Waves: Theory and Experiments.
  6. Thorne, K. S. (1987). Gravitational Radiation.
  7. Sathyaprakash, B. S., & Schutz, B. F. (2009). Physics of Gravitational Waves.
  8. LIGO Scientific Collaboration (2020). Advanced LIGO.
  9. Amaro-Seoane, P. et al. (2017). Laser Interferometer Space Antenna.
  10. Barack, L. et al. (2019). Black Holes, Gravitational Waves and Fundamental Physics
Support