Short Wave cover image

Short Wave

Picking Up Cosmic Vibrations

Nov 8, 2024
Corey Gray, a Senior Operations Specialist at the LIGO Hanford Observatory, shares his exhilarating experience of detecting gravitational waves from neutron star collisions. He recounts the emotional weight of this scientific milestone, sparked by a powwow in Alberta. Corey discusses the unique 'Gravitational Wave Grass Dance Special' and the importance of translating this groundbreaking discovery into the Blackfoot language, bridging indigenous culture and modern science. His journey reflects the deep connection between heritage and cosmic exploration.
13:57

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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Corey Gray's experience at LIGO highlights the groundbreaking detection of gravitational waves, showcasing the intersection of cutting-edge science and historic moments.
  • The translation of scientific findings into indigenous languages, exemplified by Gray's collaboration with his mother, emphasizes the importance of cultural inclusivity in modern science.

Deep dives

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.

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