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Gravitational waves can distort spacetime from "summary" of The Science of Interstellar by Kip Thorne

Gravitational waves are ripples in the fabric of spacetime itself. Just as waves on the surface of a pond distort the water's surface, gravitational waves distort the very essence of space and time. These waves are produced by the most violent and energetic events in the universe, such as the collision of black holes or the explosion of massive stars. When gravitational waves pass through spacetime, they cause it to stretch and compress in a specific pattern. This stretching and compressing of spacetime can be visualized as the stretching and squeezing of a rubber sheet. As a gravitational wave passes through, it creates alternating regions of compression and stretching, much like the crests and troughs of a wave in the ocean. The distortion of spacetime by gravitational waves has profound implications for our understanding of the universe. For example, when a gravitational wave passes through Earth, it causes the planet to be momentarily stretched and compressed. This effect is incredibly tiny, on the order of a fraction of the width of a proton, but it is detectable with sensitive instruments such as interferometers. The detection of gravitational waves opens up a new window into the cosmos, allowing us to observe events that were previously invisible to us. By studying these waves, scientists can learn about the nature of black holes, neutron stars, and other exotic objects in the universe. Gravitational waves also provide a unique opportunity to test the predictions of Einstein's theory of general relativity in extreme conditions.
  1. The concept of gravitational waves distorting spacetime represents a fundamental shift in our understanding of the universe. It reveals the interconnectedness of space and time and highlights the dynamic nature of the cosmos. Through the study of gravitational waves, we are able to explore the most extreme environments in the universe and uncover the mysteries of the cosmos.
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The Science of Interstellar

Kip Thorne

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