Gravitational Waves—A New Window on the Universe

Abstract

Imagine you could choose a new set of eyes that would help you see things you have never been able to see before. Maybe you would choose Superman’s X-ray vision, or maybe you would prefer to zoom into tiny things and see the wonders of the microscopic world. Science has recently gained a new set of eyes—a new way to look into the mysteries of the universe—using gravitational waves, which are waves produced by gravity itself. In this article, I will take you on a journey that begins with an explanation of gravity—from the classical perspective of Isaac Newton to the modern and more complex view of Albert Einstein. I will then explain how movements of massive objects create gravitational waves, which are ripples in space and time, and how they might be used to explain some mysteries of the universe, and even help us to understand the origins of our planet Earth.