LISA Pathfinder Launch on Dec 2: Einstein's Last Theory

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In summary, LISA Pathfinder is a space mission launched by the European Space Agency to test key technologies for future space-based gravitational wave observatories. This launch is significant for Einstein's theory of general relativity, which is a theory of gravity that explains how massive objects interact with each other and how space and time are affected by these interactions. LISA Pathfinder will help us understand this theory better by testing key technologies used in future space-based gravitational wave observatories, allowing for more detailed and accurate study of predictions such as gravitational waves. Gravitational waves are important because they provide valuable insights into the workings of the universe, including the formation of black holes and the evolution of the universe itself.
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Earth-bound detectors should have located (at least) tens of sources at that point, but LISA will measure at lower frequencies. We can go from a discovery to observations in multiple frequency ranges in 20 years.
 

What is LISA Pathfinder?

LISA Pathfinder is a space mission launched by the European Space Agency on December 2, 2015. Its goal is to test key technologies for future space-based gravitational wave observatories.

What is the significance of the LISA Pathfinder launch for Einstein's theory?

The LISA Pathfinder mission aims to test key technologies for future space-based gravitational wave observatories, which will help scientists study the predictions of Einstein's theory of general relativity in more detail than ever before.

What is Einstein's theory of general relativity?

Einstein's theory of general relativity is a theory of gravity that explains how massive objects interact with each other and how space and time are affected by these interactions. It has been the cornerstone of modern physics since its inception in 1915.

How will LISA Pathfinder help us understand Einstein's theory better?

LISA Pathfinder will test key technologies that will be used in future space-based gravitational wave observatories, which will allow scientists to study the predictions of general relativity, such as gravitational waves, in more detail and accuracy.

What are gravitational waves and why are they important?

Gravitational waves are ripples in the fabric of spacetime that are produced by the movement of massive objects. They were first predicted by Einstein's theory of general relativity and their detection can provide valuable insights into the workings of the universe, such as the formation of black holes and the evolution of the universe itself.

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