Gravitational Wave Astronomy

Abstract

Gravitational waves, as predicted by the theory of General Relativity, have been studied theoretically for many decades. However, due to the weak coupling of gravitation with matter, it has not yet been possible to measure them directly. Up to now, we only have indirect evidence of the existence and the effect of gravitational radiation by pulsar timing measurements. New gravitational wave detectors, using laser interferometry, offer the chance of observing gravitational waves directly in the near future, paving the way to a new branch of astronomy, gravitational wave astronomy. In this article, we give a brief review of the techniques which can be used for the detection of gravitational waves, and of the astronomical sources which may emit them, making them candidates for observation through gravitational radiation.