A theory is validated, revelations are promised: ‘Indian Ligo’ rolls: 

A theory is validated, revelations are promised: ‘Indian Ligo’ rolls: 

Context

• ‘Indian Ligo’ would become operational in 2024.

Detection of gravitational waves

• The detection of gravitational waves came as a fundamental discovery.
• The detection of gravitational waves by the US-based Ligo (Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory) detectors was an experimental validation of an existing theory.

Background

• Albert Einstein had postulated the existence of gravitational waves through his work on the general theory of relativity, and created the mathematical foundation for it.
• The concept of gravitational waves flowed from Einstein’s attempt to explain two inexplicable facets of an otherwise extremely successful and beautiful theory of gravitation proposed by Isaac Newton in the 17th century.
• The discrepancies in Newton’s theory were resolved by Einstein’s proposal that massive objects actually bend space-time around them, just like a large ball, when placed on a rubber sheet, creates a depression around it. And, it is this curvature of space-time that forces smaller bodies to feel ‘attracted’ towards more massive objects.

About the Indian Ligo

• The Ligo detectors at two sites in the US are among the most sophisticated scientific facilities in the world.
• The Indian Ligo, as it has come to be called, will be a replica of the two US observatories, and the three will together to form an array of Ligo facilities.
• The Indian Ligo is slated to begin scientific operations in 2024.

Conclusion

• By the time the Indian facility comes online, it is expected that detection of gravitational waves would become a frequent affair.
• The novelty and excitement of first detection will no longer be there, but the data from every such instance would continue to be valuable.
• Scientists expect that very soon gravitational waves would become as common a tool as light and other electromagnetic waves are today in unveiling the secrets of the universe.
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