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Black holes and measuring gravitational waves

Researchers found that supermassive black holes at galaxy centers are likely to have weaker gravitational fields, making them harder to detect. This challenges previous assumptions about the detection of gravitational waves from merging galaxies.

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.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Scientists detect second pair of colliding black holes

The detection confirms the existence of binary black holes with a range of masses, forming from different stars. The event provides valuable data on gravitational waves and the nature of gravity, shedding light on the universe's most violent cosmic events.

'Mosh pits' in star clusters a likely source of LIGO's first black holes

Astrophysicists at Northwestern University predict that LIGO's first detection of merging black holes could have been formed through dynamic interactions in the star-dense core of an old globular cluster. The theory, known as dynamical formation, is one of two recognized main channels for forming binary black holes detected by LIGO.

Gravitational waves detected for a second time

For the second time, scientists have detected gravitational waves, which provide information about their origins and gravity's nature. The event involved two smaller black holes that merged to form a more massive spinning black hole.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

New gravitational wave observed from second pair of black holes

The Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory has detected a second pair of colliding black holes, validating the landmark discovery from earlier this year. RIT scientists played a crucial role in identifying and analyzing the gravitational wave signal, revealing diverse sizes and spins among black holes in the universe.

Prototype gravitational wave spacecraft sets new free fall record

The LISA Pathfinder mission has passed a series of tests with flying colors, coming closer to experiencing true free fall than any other human-made object. The experiment successfully tested systems that will be incorporated in the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) gravitational wave observatory scheduled for launch in 2034.

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Recipients of 2016 Gruber Cosmology Prize announced

The Gruber Foundation Cosmology Prize recognizes the first observation of gravitational waves by the LIGO team, confirming a key prediction of Einstein's theory of general relativity. This achievement opens up new means of studying the universe and provides direct evidence for the existence of black holes.

NASA's Fermi telescope poised to pin down gravitational wave sources

The detection of a brief gamma-ray burst consistent with the same part of the sky as gravitational waves offers a unique window into the universe. By analyzing this event, scientists can gain insights into the dynamics leading up to black hole mergers and shed light on the nature of gravity.

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

SDU researchers present a new model for what dark matter might be

Researchers at the University of Southern Denmark propose a new model for dark matter, suggesting a heavier particle that interacts only through gravity. This PIDM particle could have been created in the early universe under extremely hot conditions, and its existence can be tested using planned gravitational wave experiments.

Clocking the rotation rate of a supermassive black hole

Researchers accurately measured the rotational rate of an 18 billion solar mass supermassive black hole, one-third of the maximum spin rate allowed in General Relativity. The binary black hole model reveals a smaller companion orbiting around it, affecting accretion disk behavior.

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.

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

LIGO confirms RIT's breakthrough prediction of gravitational waves

Rochester Institute of Technology researchers' 2005 breakthrough prediction of gravitational waves has been confirmed by LIGO. Their work introduced a revolutionary new way to understand the universe through gravitational wave astronomy, opening up frontiers in the field.

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Gravitational waves detected 100 years after Einstein's prediction

Scientists observed ripples in spacetime called gravitational waves from colliding black holes, confirming a major prediction of Albert Einstein's general theory of relativity. The detected waves were produced during the merger of two black holes, with masses about 29 and 36 times that of the sun.

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

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.

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

New era of astronomy as gravitational wave hunt begins

Australian scientists are part of the Advanced LIGO project aiming to find gravitational waves, ripples in space-time caused by violent cosmic events. The technology requires high sensitivity and precision, pushing the limits of components like low-noise detectors and high-power lasers.

Advancing physics frontiers

The US National Science Foundation has awarded 10 Physics Frontiers Centers, focusing on basic research in quantum computing and fundamental physics. These collaborative environments support multidisciplinary projects and education initiatives.

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.

New insight found in black hole collisions

Astrophysicist Dr. Michael Kesden's research provides new insights into binary black hole mergers and their connection to gravitational wave detection. The solutions can significantly impact the study of black holes and the search for gravitational waves in the cosmos.

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

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.

BICEP2 and Planck joint study: Gravitational waves remain elusive

A new joint analysis of BICEP2/Keck Array and Planck data reveals that the earlier detection of primordial gravitational waves is no longer secure due to interstellar dust contamination. The study uses multi-frequency data from Planck and ground-based experiments to separate foreground emissions from the cosmic background.

Still doubts on gravitational waves

A recent study confirms that galactic contaminants are too intense to distinguish cosmological gravitational waves, casting doubt on the detection. The Planck-BICEP2 collaboration used multiple instruments to rule out contamination, but acknowledge the need for sharper eyes to detect the signal.

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.

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.

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Finding hints of gravitational waves in the stars

Researchers have found that stars that oscillate at the same frequency as gravitational waves can absorb energy from those waves and brighten temporarily. This effect could provide scientists with another method to indirectly detect gravitational waves.

Not much force: Berkeley researchers detect smallest force ever measured

Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and the University of California detected a force of approximately 42 yoctonewtons using a unique optical trapping system and ultracold atoms. The detection surpassed the Standard Quantum Limit, achieving sensitivity consistent with theoretical predictions.

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Black hole trio holds promise for gravity wave hunt

Astronomers have discovered three closely orbiting supermassive black holes in a galaxy over four billion light years away. The system's tight configuration suggests that these closely-packed black holes are far more common than previously thought.

First direct evidence of cosmic inflation

Researchers from BICEP2 collaboration announce groundbreaking discovery of cosmic inflation, providing first direct image of gravitational waves. The data also confirm a deep connection between quantum mechanics and general relativity.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Researchers propose a new way to detect the elusive graviton

Physicists Lawrence Krauss and Frank Wilczek suggest measuring minute changes in the cosmic background radiation could detect telltale effects of gravitons. They propose that gravitons exist as 'quantum fluctuations' during inflation, generating gravitational waves that affect CMB polarization.

NSF supports extreme black hole research at RIT with $525,000 grant

Scientists at Rochester Institute of Technology will simulate extreme black holes with support from a $525,000 grant. Their contributions will help advance the international effort to confirm the existence of gravitational waves and black holes, anticipating new field discoveries.

Gravitational waves 'know' how black holes grow

A recent study using gravitational wave data from the Parkes radio telescope has challenged existing theories on supermassive black hole growth. The researchers tested four models of black-hole growth against observational data, effectively ruling out one model and pushing others to re-evaluate their predictions.

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Gravitational waves help understand black-hole weight gain

Researchers used gravitational wave data to test models of supermassive black hole growth, ruling out one model and leaving three others as possibilities. The study provides new insights into the growth of massive black holes, shedding light on a long-standing astronomical question.

Stellar monsters do not collide -- no hope for a spectacular catastrophe

Astronomers at the University of Warsaw discovered that stellar monsters with masses 200-300 times that of our Sun will not collide until billions of years from now. Due to their large distance apart and lack of expansion, there is no mechanism for their orbit to tighten, making a spectacular collision impossible.

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Einstein's gravity theory passes toughest test yet

A newly-discovered pulsar and its white-dwarf companion have provided physicists with a unique opportunity to study the nature of gravity, with General Relativity predictions holding up well under extreme conditions. The system's unique characteristics make it an unprecedented test for alternative theories of gravity.

NASA pursues atom optics to detect the imperceptible

Scientists at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center are developing atom-optics technology to directly detect gravitational waves, which could revolutionize astrophysics. The technology uses atomic interferometry to measure minute changes in space-time.

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Simulations uncover 'flashy' secrets of merging black holes

Researchers used computer simulations to explore the mergers of supersized black holes, revealing a 'funnel-like structure' that could drive particle jets. The study sheds light on the universe's most extreme phenomena, including gravitational waves, black holes, and the death of stars.

Space-warping white dwarfs produce gravitational waves

A team of astronomers has detected gravitational waves at optical wavelengths in light from a pair of eclipsing white dwarf stars. The effect, predicted by Einstein's theory of general relativity, causes the stars to inch closer together and orbit each other faster.

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Pulsars: The Universe's gift to physics

Researchers use pulsars to test General Relativity in extremely strong gravity and directly detect gravitational waves. Pulsar timing arrays may reveal evidence for cosmic strings and the early Universe.

Gravitational waves that are 'sounds of the universe'

Astronomers have discovered a correlation between gravitational wave events and radio flares, enabling them to pinpoint the source of these cosmic occurrences. By analyzing surrounding interstellar material, researchers can verify that detected gravitational waves come from specific regions of space.