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Ancient signals from the early universe

Theoretical physicists at the University of Basel have calculated the signal of specific gravitational wave sources that emerged fractions of a second after the Big Bang. These oscillons, predicted by Einstein, can be used to study the universe's early stages and provide information on major astrophysical events.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 10, 2017

Did LIGO detect black holes or gravastars?

The LIGO Scientific Collaboration detected gravitational waves that could have been caused by the collision of two black holes. Researchers used theoretical models to test whether these signals could also be produced by gravastars, hypothetical objects proposed as an alternative to black holes.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalPhysical Review D·DateOct 19, 2016

RNA, gravitational waves focus of two new grants

Four Penn State researchers have been awarded a total of $450,000 by the Charles E. Kaufman Foundation to study RNA and its processes, as well as real-time gravitational wave detection. The research aims to advance methods for determining RNA structure in living cells and improve prospects for multi-messenger astrophysics.

Gravitational waves caught again

The second detection of gravitational waves from merging black holes is a significant milestone in the development of physics. Scientists have found that the observed gravity waves were generated by two black holes with masses of 14 and 8 solar masses, which merged to form a single rotating black hole.

The expansion of the universe simulated

Physicists at Université de Genève developed a new code that simulates the rotation of space-time and gravitational waves in the formation of large-scale structures. This allows for more precise calculations than current codes, enabling the study of dark energy's role in the universe's expansion.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Physics·DateMar 7, 2016

11-year cosmic search leads to black hole rethink

Scientists used Parkes telescope for 11 years to detect gravitational waves but found nothing, suggesting that black holes may merge quickly without generating waves. The lack of detection has implications for astronomers who want to use pulsar timing techniques to spot gravitational waves.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalScience·DateSep 24, 2015

Solving the riddle of neutron stars

Theoretical astrophysicists discovered that gravitational waves from merging binary neutron star systems have a characteristic spectrum similar to atomic spectral lines. This allows for the inference of neutron star properties, including equation of state and stellar structure.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalPhysical Review D·DateMar 10, 2015

Cosmology: Late news from the Big Bang

New Planck analysis confirms Viatcheslav Mukhanov's theory on quantum origin of universe's structure, supporting the idea that quantum fluctuations gave rise to galaxies and clusters. The study also rules out primordial gravitational waves, suggesting that instruments may not be sensitive enough to detect them yet.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalAstronomy and Astrophysics·DateFeb 5, 2015

Unravelling the mystery of gamma-ray bursts

Researchers at Cardiff University are exploring a new method to detect the origins of gamma-ray bursts using giant space 'microphones' that can pick up gravitational waves created by black holes. By analyzing these waves, scientists may uncover information about the mass and collision history of star and black hole systems.

SourceCardiff University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateNov 20, 2014

A jettisoned black hole?

Researchers have identified an enigmatic object named SDSS1133, which could be a recoiling black hole ejected from its parent galaxy. The discovery, made using high-precision equipment and observations with the Hubble Space Telescope, presents a unique opportunity to study gravitational waves and their detection.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateNov 19, 2014