On September 14, 2015, LIGO detected what is known as a gravitational wave. Join renowned physicist and Nobel Laureate Rainer Weiss as he discusses the discovery of these ripples in space-time that are caused by some of the most catastrophic events in the universe, such as the collision of black holes and the collapse of supernovae.

The lecture will start with some basic concepts of gravitational waves. Following this, there will be a brief description of the instruments and the methods for data analysis that enable the measurement of gravitational wave strains of 10^-21 and then a presentation of the results of recent runs. The lecture will end with a vision for the future of gravitational wave astrophysics and astronomy.

Hosted by the CNS Dean's Scholars Program.