Should We Be Worried About Gravitational Waves?

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The LIGO Scientific Collaboration's recent analysis of 200 hours of data during its third science run has set new upper limits on the energy density of gravitational waves, significantly lower than previous findings. The study focused on a stochastic background of gravitational radiation, particularly in the 69-156 Hz frequency range, where the new limit is approximately 10^5 times lower than earlier results. Despite these advancements, the absence of detected gravitational waves raises questions about the expectations for future discoveries. The discussion reflects a sense of cautious optimism, suggesting that while progress has been made, there is still potential for future detection. Overall, the findings indicate that there is no immediate cause for concern regarding gravitational waves.
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http://arxiv.org/abs/astro-ph/0507254

Title: Upper Limits on a Stochastic Background of Gravitational Waves
Authors: LIGO Scientific Collaboration: B. Abbott, et al
Comments: 6 pages, 4 figures

The Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory (LIGO) has performed a third science run with much improved sensitivities of all three interferometers. We present an analysis of approximately 200 hours of data acquired during this run, used to search for a stochastic background of gravitational radiation. We place upper bounds on the energy density stored as gravitational radiation for three different spectral power laws. For the flat spectrum, our limit of Omega_0<8.4e-4 in the 69-156 Hz band is ~10^5 times lower than the previous result in this frequency range.
 
Astronomy news on Phys.org
Still nothing. So, what is expected?
 
Should we be worried yet?

Garth
 
Garth said:
Should we be worried yet?

Garth

There are still a few inches of diving board left i think.
 

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