Gravitational waves are ripples in the fabric of space-time, caused by the acceleration of massive objects.
Gravitational waves were first detected in 2015 by the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) using two detectors in the United States.
Media outlets often portray gravitational waves as a groundbreaking discovery that confirms Albert Einstein's theory of general relativity and opens up new possibilities for studying the universe.
No, gravitational waves travel at the speed of light and cannot be slowed down. However, their amplitude can decrease as they travel through space.
Studying gravitational waves can help scientists better understand the universe, including the behavior of black holes, the formation of galaxies, and the nature of dark matter. It can also lead to advancements in technology, such as more precise measurements and improvements in space travel.