Geoscientist Alexandra Mitchell focused her research on improving the sensitivity of gravitational wave detectors by lowering the bandwidth with which we can detect these waves.
Gravitational waves are ripples in spacetime predicted by Einstein’s general theory of relativity. They have already been detected from collisions of compact objects such as neutron stars and black holes. Through multi-messenger astronomy—where an event is observed using multiple signals—a wealth of information can be gathered, as demonstrated by the detection of GW170817.
The frequency of a gravitational wave increases as a neutron star merger progresses. A lower sensitivity bandwidth would mean these waves can be detected earlier, increasing the chances of multi-messenger events. Binary systems with higher mass and higher redshift (located farther away) emit gravitational waves at lower frequencies. Observing these binary stars can help us study the early universe and answer scientific questions such as the formation and evolution of supermassive black holes.
The detection of gravitational waves, much like the invention of telescopes, has revolutionized our ability to explore the universe by opening a new observational window. Improved gravitational wave detection allows us to further investigate and understand the cosmos. Black holes and neutron stars are such enigmatic phenomena that both astronomers and non-scientists are eager to understand them better.
