Understanding Gravitational Waves

Gravitational waves are ripples in space-time created by massive objects accelerating through space. This concept originates from Albert Einstein's general theory of relativity, highlighting how gravity bends the space around masses. When two black holes collide, for instance, the resulting vibrations in space-time generate these waves, which can be detected by sensitive instruments. The first detection of gravitational waves in 2015 marked a pivotal moment in science, occurring almost a century after Einstein's prediction.