38-Gravitational Waves: Ripples In Space-Time
November 20
Gravitational waves are invisible ripples in the fabric of space-time. They are caused by some of the most violent and energetic events in the universe.
These include colliding black holes, collapsing stellar cores, merging neutron stars or white dwarf stars, the wobble of neutron stars that are not perfect spheres and possibly even the remnants of gravitational radiation created by the birth of the universe.
In this video, Dr. Padi Boyd explains gravitational waves and how important Hubble is to exploring the mysteries of the universe.
Core collapse supernova. This animation shows a gigantic star exploding in a “core collapse” supernova. As molecules fuse inside the star, eventually the star can’t support its own weight anymore. Gravity makes the star collapse on itself. Core collapse supernovae are called type Ib, Ic, or II depending on the chemical elements present. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech.