Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO)
LIGO, the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory, has been engaged in the search for the elusive ripples in the fabric of spacetime predicted by Einstein's theory of General Relativity to be produced by the most energetic astronomical events such as supernova explosions and the collisions of black holes. These waves were finally observed on September 14, 2015 and the news was made public by LIGO during a press conference on February 11, 2016.
The Andrews University LIGO group, headed by professor Tiffany Summerscales, has been involved in developing and testing algorithms that combine the data from multiple LIGO detectors to find a common signal and in translating educational materials into multiple languages so that more people can learn about the work being done with LIGO.
Learn more about the Andrews University LIGO group and Dr. Summerscales' research in the articles below:
- Agenda Article: Will We Find Gravity Waves?
- Agenda Article: Andrews Professor Helps Find Gravitational Waves
- ABC57 Article: Scientists prove Einstein's theory
- Adventist Review Article: Adventist Physicist Helps Find Gravitational Waves
- Herald Palladium Article: Riding the gravitational wave
- South Bend Tribune Article: Andrews professor helped with breakthrough astronomy discovery
- Spectrum Magazine Article: Andrews University Professor Tiffany Summerscales Discusses Her Part in Extraordinary Scientific Discovery
For more information about LIGIO, visit the LIGO Website
Pictured clockwise from left: Dr. Tiffany Summerscales, Michael McMearty, and recent graduate Christopher Greenley