What are gravitational waves and how do they relate to black holes?

What are gravitational waves and how do they relate to black holes?

Gravitational waves are ripples in spacetime caused by massive accelerating objects, like merging black holes.

How were gravitational waves first detected?

They were first detected by the LIGO observatory in 2015, confirming a prediction made by Einstein's general relativity.

What happens when two black holes merge?

When two black holes merge, they emit gravitational waves and form a larger black hole, releasing energy equivalent to several solar masses.

Can we observe these waves directly?

Yes, we can observe gravitational waves directly using detectors like LIGO and Virgo, which measure tiny changes in distance.

What implications do these discoveries have for astrophysics?

They provide insights into the nature of black holes, the behavior of gravity, and the evolution of the universe.