Download or read book Black Hole Blues and Other Songs from Outer Space written by Janna Levin and published by Anchor. This book was released on 2016-03-29 with total page 258 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The authoritative story of the headline-making discovery of gravitational waves—by an eminent theoretical astrophysicist and award-winning writer. From the author of How the Universe Got Its Spots and A Madman Dreams of Turing Machines, the epic story of the scientific campaign to record the soundtrack of our universe. Black holes are dark. That is their essence. When black holes collide, they will do so unilluminated. Yet the black hole collision is an event more powerful than any since the origin of the universe. The profusion of energy will emanate as waves in the shape of spacetime: gravitational waves. No telescope will ever record the event; instead, the only evidence would be the sound of spacetime ringing. In 1916, Einstein predicted the existence of gravitational waves, his top priority after he proposed his theory of curved spacetime. One century later, we are recording the first sounds from space, the soundtrack to accompany astronomy’s silent movie. In Black Hole Blues and Other Songs from Outer Space, Janna Levin recounts the fascinating story of the obsessions, the aspirations, and the trials of the scientists who embarked on an arduous, fifty-year endeavor to capture these elusive waves. An experimental ambition that began as an amusing thought experiment, a mad idea, became the object of fixation for the original architects—Rai Weiss, Kip Thorne, and Ron Drever. Striving to make the ambition a reality, the original three gradually accumulated an international team of hundreds. As this book was written, two massive instruments of remarkably delicate sensitivity were brought to advanced capability. As the book draws to a close, five decades after the experimental ambition began, the team races to intercept a wisp of a sound with two colossal machines, hoping to succeed in time for the centenary of Einstein’s most radical idea. Janna Levin’s absorbing account of the surprises, disappointments, achievements, and risks in this unfolding story offers a portrait of modern science that is unlike anything we’ve seen before.
Download or read book Gravitational Waves written by Brian Clegg and published by Icon Books. This book was released on 2018-02-08 with total page 122 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: On 14 September 2015, after 50 years of searching, gravitational waves were detected for the first time and astronomy changed for ever. Until then, investigation of the universe had depended on electromagnetic radiation: visible light, radio, X-rays and the rest. But gravitational waves – ripples in the fabric of space and time – are unrelenting, passing through barriers that stop light dead. At the two 4-kilometre long LIGO observatories in the US, scientists developed incredibly sensitive detectors, capable of spotting a movement 100 times smaller than the nucleus of an atom. In 2015 they spotted the ripples produced by two black holes spiralling into each other, setting spacetime quivering. This was the first time black holes had ever been directly detected – and it promises far more for the future of astronomy. Brian Clegg presents a compelling story of human technical endeavour and a new, powerful path to understand the workings of the universe.
Download or read book Ripples in Spacetime written by Govert Schilling and published by Harvard University Press. This book was released on 2017-07-31 with total page 353 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A spacetime appetizer -- Relatively speaking -- Einstein on trial -- Wave talk and bar fights -- The lives of stars -- Clockwork precision -- Laser quest -- The path to perfection -- Creation stories -- Cold case -- Gotcha -- Black magic -- Nanoscience -- Follow-up questions -- Space invaders -- Surf's up for Einstein wave astronomy
Download or read book Gravitational Waves written by Michele Maggiore and published by Oxford University Press. This book was released on 2008 with total page 573 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The two volumes of 'Gravitational Waves' provide a comprehensive and detailed account of the physics of gravitational waves. Volume 2 discusses what can be learned from gravitational waves in astrophysics and in cosmology, by systematising a large body of theoretical developments that have taken place over the last decades.
Download or read book Understanding Gravitational Waves written by C. R. Kitchin and published by Springer Nature. This book was released on 2021-09-23 with total page 422 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The birth of a completely new branch of observational astronomy is a rare and exciting occurrence. For a long time, our theories about gravitational waves—proposed by Albert Einstein and others more than a hundred years ago—could never be fully proven, since we lacked the proper technology to do it. That all changed when, on September 14, 2015, instruments at the LIGO Observatory detected gravitational waves for the first time. This book explores the nature of gravitational waves—what they are, where they come from, why they are so significant and why nobody could prove they existed before now. Written in plain language and interspersed with additional explanatory tutorials, it will appeal to lay readers, science enthusiasts, physical science students, amateur astronomers and to professional scientists and astronomers.
Download or read book Gravitational Wave Physics and Astronomy written by Jolien D. E. Creighton and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2012-01-09 with total page 403 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This most up-to-date, one-stop reference combines coverage of both theory and observational techniques, with introductory sections to bring all readers up to the same level. Written by outstanding researchers directly involved with the scientific program of the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO), the book begins with a brief review of general relativity before going on to describe the physics of gravitational waves and the astrophysical sources of gravitational radiation. Further sections cover gravitational wave detectors, data analysis, and the outlook of gravitational wave astronomy and astrophysics.
Download or read book The Detection of Gravitational Waves written by David G. Blair and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 2005-10-13 with total page 508 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book introduces the concepts of gravitational waves within the context of general relativity. The sources of gravitational radiation for which there is direct observational evidence and those of a more speculative nature are described. He then gives a general introduction to the methods of detection. In the subsequent chapters he has drawn together the leading scientists in the field to give a comprehensive practical and theoretical account of the physics and technology of gravitational wave detection.
Download or read book Traveling at the Speed of Thought written by Daniel Kennefick and published by Princeton University Press. This book was released on 2007-04-15 with total page 348 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Since Einstein first described them nearly a century ago, gravitational waves have been the subject of more sustained controversy than perhaps any other phenomenon in physics. These as yet undetected fluctuations in the shape of space-time were first predicted by Einstein's general theory of relativity, but only now, at the dawn of the twenty-first century, are we on the brink of finally observing them. Daniel Kennefick's landmark book takes readers through the theoretical controversies and thorny debates that raged around the subject of gravitational waves after the publication of Einstein's theory. The previously untold story of how we arrived at a settled theory of gravitational waves includes a stellar cast from the front ranks of twentieth-century physics, including Richard Feynman, Hermann Bondi, John Wheeler, Kip Thorne, and Einstein himself, who on two occasions avowed that gravitational waves do not exist, changing his mind both times. The book derives its title from a famously skeptical comment made by Arthur Stanley Eddington in 1922--namely, that "gravitational waves propagate at the speed of thought." Kennefick uses the title metaphorically to contrast the individual brilliance of each of the physicists grappling with gravitational-wave theory against the frustratingly slow progression of the field as a whole. Accessibly written and impeccably researched, this book sheds new light on the trials and conflicts that have led to the extraordinary position in which we find ourselves today--poised to bring the story of gravitational waves full circle by directly confirming their existence for the very first time.
Download or read book Modern General Relativity written by Mike Guidry and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 2019-01-03 with total page 625 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Einstein's general theory of relativity is widely considered to be one of the most elegant and successful scientific theories ever developed, and it is increasingly being taught in a simplified form at advanced undergraduate level within both physics and mathematics departments. Due to the increasing interest in gravitational physics, in both the academic and the public sphere, driven largely by widely-publicised developments such as the recent observations of gravitational waves, general relativity is also one of the most popular scientific topics pursued through self-study. Modern General Relativity introduces the reader to the general theory of relativity using an example-based approach, before describing some of its most important applications in cosmology and astrophysics, such as gamma-ray bursts, neutron stars, black holes, and gravitational waves. With hundreds of worked examples, explanatory boxes, and end-of-chapter problems, this textbook provides a solid foundation for understanding one of the towering achievements of twentieth-century physics.
Download or read book Einstein Was Right written by Jed Z. Buchwald and published by Princeton University Press. This book was released on 2020-10-13 with total page 248 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: An authoritative interdisciplinary account of the historic discovery of gravitational waves In 1915, Albert Einstein predicted the existence of gravitational waves—ripples in the fabric of spacetime caused by the movement of large masses—as part of the theory of general relativity. A century later, researchers with the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) confirmed Einstein's prediction, detecting gravitational waves generated by the collision of two black holes. Shedding new light on the hundred-year history of this momentous achievement, Einstein Was Right brings together essays by two of the physicists who won the Nobel Prize for their instrumental roles in the discovery, along with contributions by leading scholars who offer unparalleled insights into one of the most significant scientific breakthroughs of our time. This illuminating book features an introduction by Tilman Sauer and invaluable firsthand perspectives on the history and significance of the LIGO consortium by physicists Barry Barish and Kip Thorne. Theoretical physicist Alessandra Buonanno discusses the new possibilities opened by gravitational wave astronomy, and sociologist of science Harry Collins and historians of science Diana Kormos Buchwald, Daniel Kennefick, and Jürgen Renn provide further insights into the history of relativity and LIGO. The book closes with a reflection by philosopher Don Howard on the significance of Einstein's theory for the philosophy of science. Edited by Jed Buchwald, Einstein Was Right is a compelling and thought-provoking account of one of the most thrilling scientific discoveries of the modern age.
Download or read book The Last Stargazers written by Emily Levesque and published by Sourcebooks, Inc.. This book was released on 2020-08-04 with total page 358 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The story of the people who see beyond the stars—an astronomy book for adults still spellbound by the night sky Embark on a captivating cosmic journey with The Last Stargazers. This enthralling book takes you on an awe-inspiring exploration of the night sky, offering a unique perspective on the vast celestial wonders that have fascinated humanity for millennia. Written by astrophysicist Dr. Emily Levesque, The Last Stargazers combines scientific expertise with captivating storytelling, making it the perfect companion for both astronomy enthusiasts and curious minds. Dr. Levesque's passion for the stars shines through as she shares her personal experiences and encounters while working at some of the world's most renowned observatories. Delve into the fascinating world of astronomy as you uncover the secrets of distant galaxies, supernovae, and elusive celestial phenomena. Discover: Inspiring narratives: Dr. Levesque's engaging storytelling transports readers to the front lines of astronomical research, providing a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the life of a modern-day stargazer. Cutting-edge research: Stay up to date with the latest scientific breakthroughs and advancements in the field of astronomy, as Dr. Levesque shares her firsthand experiences and encounters. Accessible explanations: Complex astronomical concepts are made understandable and relatable, allowing readers of all backgrounds to appreciate and comprehend the wonders of the cosmos. Personal perspective: Gain insight into the personal journey of a dedicated scientist as she navigates the challenges and triumphs of studying the stars. Whether you're a seasoned astronomer, a casual stargazer, or simply someone with a curiosity about the universe, The Last Stargazers is an indispensable guide that will ignite your passion for the cosmos and leave you in awe of the wonders that lie beyond. Take a leap into the vast unknown on a celestial odyssey like no other.
Download or read book Professor Astro Cat s Atomic Adventure written by Dr. Dominic Walliman and published by National Geographic Books. This book was released on 2016-05-10 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Class is in session, and the subject is physics. Your teacher? Why, he’s the smartest cat in the galaxy! In this brilliant follow up to Professor Astro Cat’s Frontiers of Space, our trusty feline returns to take you on a journey through the incredible world of physics. Learn about energy, power and the building blocks of you, me and the universe in this all new ATOMIC ADVENTURE!
Download or read book Gravitational Wave Data Analysis written by B.F. Schutz and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2012-12-06 with total page 321 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The articles in this book represent the major contributions at the NATO Advanced Research Workshop that was held from 6 to 9 July 1987 in the magnificent setting of Dyffryn House and Gardens, in St. Nicholas, just outside Cardiff, Wales. The idea for such a meeting arose in discussions that I had in 1985 and 1986 with many of the principal members of the various groups building prototype laser-interferometric gravitational wave detectors. It became clear that the proposals that these groups were planning to submit for large-scale detectors would have to address questions like the following: • What computing hardware might be required to sift through data corning in at rates of several gigabytes per day for gravitational wave events that might last only a second or less and occur as rarely as once a month? • What software would be required for this task, and how much effort would be required to write it? • Given that every group accepted that a worldwide network of detectors operating in co incidence with one another was required in order to provide both convincing evidence of detections of gravitational waves and sufficient information to determine the amplitude and direction of the waves that had been detected, what sort of problems would the necessary data exchanges raise? Yet most of the effort in these groups had, quite naturally, been concentrated on the detector systems.
Download or read book The Science of Interstellar written by Kip Thorne and published by W. W. Norton & Company. This book was released on 2014-11-07 with total page 560 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A journey through the otherworldly science behind Christopher Nolan’s award-winning film, Interstellar, from executive producer and Nobel Prize-winning physicist Kip Thorne. Interstellar, from acclaimed filmmaker Christopher Nolan, takes us on a fantastic voyage far beyond our solar system. Yet in The Science of Interstellar, Kip Thorne, the Nobel prize-winning physicist who assisted Nolan on the scientific aspects of Interstellar, shows us that the movie’s jaw-dropping events and stunning, never-before-attempted visuals are grounded in real science. Thorne shares his experiences working as the science adviser on the film and then moves on to the science itself. In chapters on wormholes, black holes, interstellar travel, and much more, Thorne’s scientific insights—many of them triggered during the actual scripting and shooting of Interstellar—describe the physical laws that govern our universe and the truly astounding phenomena that those laws make possible. Interstellar and all related characters and elements are trademarks of and © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. (s14).
Download or read book The Law of All Things written by H.Y. Kim and published by 펜립. This book was released on 2021-09-14 with total page 255 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: All things reflect the nature of numbers. Every number has its own wavelength and spin, which is reflected in the properties of all things, including light and sound. The original Big Bang starting point, \"Light_Sound_Element1,\" is the basis of all things in the universe. \"Light_Sound_Element1\" gave birth to seeds of light and sound, and the seeds of light and sound gave birth to all things, and life did not evolve from nonliving things, but from the seeds of light and sound, there were already seeds of life and nonliving things. Life or inanimate beings are bound to perish, but all of them strive to exist forever. The only way to do that is to preserve one\'s mass by becoming dark matter. The owner of a creature is not a gene, but a creature. The body of all living things dies, but the soul seeks to preserve its mass in the state of dark matter and achieve its purpose of surviving forever. In addition to the mechanism of light and sound, the Great Pyramid is another evidence of the law of all things, built by a superhuman being to convey a message about the soul to humans.
Download or read book Extracting Physics from Gravitational Waves written by Tjonnie G. F. Li and published by Springer. This book was released on 2015-07-03 with total page 243 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Tjonnie Li's thesis covers two applications of Gravitational Wave astronomy: tests of General Relativity in the strong-field regime and cosmological measurements. The first part of the thesis focuses on the so-called TIGER, i.e. Test Infrastructure for General Relativity, an innovative Bayesian framework for performing hypothesis tests of modified gravity using ground-based GW data. After developing the framework, Li simulates a variety of General Relativity deviations and demonstrates the ability of the aforementioned TIGER to measure them. The advantages of the method are nicely shown and compared to other, less generic methods. Given the extraordinary implications that would result from any measured deviation from General Relativity, it is extremely important that a rigorous statistical approach for supporting these results would be in place before the first Gravitational Wave detections begin. In developing TIGER, Tjonnie Li shows a large amount of creativity and originality, and his contribution is an important step in the direction of a possible discovery of a deviation (if any) from General Relativity. In another section, Li's thesis deals with cosmology, describing an exploratory study where the possibility of cosmological parameters measurement through gravitational wave compact binary coalescence signals associated with electromagnetic counterparts is evaluated. In particular, the study explores the capabilities of the future Einstein Telescope observatory. Although of very long term-only applicability, this is again a thorough investigation, nicely put in the context of the current and the future observational cosmology.
Download or read book How the Universe Got Its Spots written by Janna Levin and published by Princeton University Press. This book was released on 2023-01-10 with total page 224 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Is the universe infinite, or is it just really big? Does nature abhor infinity? In startling and beautiful prose, Janna Levin's diary of unsent letters to her mother describes what we know about the shape and extent of the universe, about its beginning and its end. She grants the uninitiated access to the astounding findings of contemporary theoretical physics and makes tangible the contours of space and time—those very real curves along which apples fall and planets orbit. Levin guides the reader through the observations and thought-experiments that have enabled physicists to begin charting the universe. She introduces the cosmic archaeology that makes sense of the pattern of hot spots left over from the big bang, a pursuit on the verge of discovering the shape of space itself. And she explains the topology and the geometry of the universe now coming into focus—a strange map of space full of black holes, chaotic flows, time warps, and invisible strings. Levin advances the controversial idea that this map is edgeless but finite—that the universe is huge but not unending—a radical revelation that would provide the ultimate twist to the Copernican revolution by locating our precise position in the cosmos. As she recounts our increasingly rewarding attempt to know the universe, Levin tells her personal story as a scientist isolated by her growing knowledge. This book is her remarkable effort to reach across the distance of that knowledge and share what she knows with family and friends—and with us. Highly personal and utterly original, this physicist’s diary is a breathtaking contemplation of our deep connection with the universe and our aspirations to comprehend it.
