Astrophysicists propose new space observatory to detect gravitational waves

[Judi Lynn]

2 min ago

Gravitational Waves were only first observed in 2015, captured via instruments at the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory. This is going to change the way we look at physics forever, as soon we’ll be able to draw a line from gravitational wave events back to their sources. But soon they may build an observatory that can see much, much more.

Video at link:

https://tinyurl.com/2u3exdju

[Tetrachloride]

1. I'd like to know what is the point of having such knowledge

What clarity does this bring ?

Case 1: if the wave was (age) and (strength) and a likely (source), what does this point at ? A certain variable ? Confirmation of which line of the Standard Model ?

Case 2: Less likely scenario. same questions, new wavelengths.

A little math and a little less cloud is my goal.

[Warpy]

3. If we're actually serious about exploring the rest of the solar system

cracking gravity is going o be the first step. Figuring out how to harness it is the second. It's the only way I can see for people to survive off the planet for any real length of time. Right now, only a few weeks in micro gravity produce quantifiable changes in physiology, some of which appear to be permanent.

You want to keep gadgets with touch screens and the like, you're going to need more helium3 and rare earth elements than are easily mined here on earth.

It could happen if we can avoid blowing ourselves up and cooking ourselves to death.

[Salviati]

2. Wow - This isn't just LISA, but a giant step up from it.

LISA would be a space based detector made of 3 satellites in formation that's being planned as the next step after the LIGO ground based detectors. It's in the works and has had some very successful proof of concept tests done.

This proposal, LISAmax, would put LISA like satellites at the 3 Sun-Earth Lagrange points in Earth's orbit, so one at the point opposite of the Earth in it's orbit, and the other two at points that would make an equilateral triangle inscribed in Earths orbit.

That is one hecking big interferometer!