Black Hole Blues
Physicist Janna Levin's new book looks at the history of efforts to detect gravitational waves, which culminated in success this year
A new book looks at the history and discovery of gravitational waves
Earlier this year, one of the most exciting and long-anticipated discoveries in physics was announced. Scientists with the Advanced Laser Interferometer Gravitational wave Observatory, or LIGO, reported that, for the first time, they had detected gravitational waves - ripples in space-time caused by a cataclysmic cosmic event.
Her book traces the long and sometimes convoluted history of the search for gravitational waves, and it's called Black Hole Blues and Other Songs from Outer Space. Dr. Levin is a professor of Physics & Astronomy at Barnard College of Columbia University.
Related Links
- Black Hole Blues and Other Songs from Outer Space
- LIGO coverage on Quirks & Quarks - The discovery and our Big Science feature