What Are the Benefits of LIGO & VIRGO's Gravitational Wave Detection?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the benefits and implications of LIGO and VIRGO's gravitational wave detection, exploring the value of these projects beyond merely detecting gravitational waves. Participants consider the potential for new astronomical insights and the cost-effectiveness of such large-scale scientific endeavors.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question the justification for the high costs associated with LIGO and VIRGO, wondering what additional benefits arise from detecting gravitational waves.
  • Others argue that detecting gravitational waves allows for a new type of astronomy that can be combined with electromagnetic signals to enhance our understanding of cosmic events, such as collapses.
  • One participant suggests that the combination of signals from different devices can help pinpoint locations in the sky where cosmic events are occurring, despite each device having its own limitations.
  • Another viewpoint emphasizes that the investment in LIGO is relatively modest when compared to other expenditures, suggesting that the scientific advancements gained are worth the cost.
  • Participants provide comparisons to other spending, indicating that the financial commitment to LIGO is not as extravagant when viewed in a broader context.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of skepticism and support regarding the costs versus benefits of LIGO and VIRGO. While some acknowledge the potential for groundbreaking discoveries, others remain uncertain about the overall justification for the financial investment.

Contextual Notes

Some arguments rely on assumptions about the value of scientific discovery and the effectiveness of combining different types of astronomical signals. There is also a lack of consensus on how to measure the benefits derived from gravitational wave detection.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to individuals engaged in astrophysics, astronomy, and science policy, as well as those curious about the implications of large-scale scientific projects.

parshyaa
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I mean do they only detect gravitational waves?, if yes then why spending so much money on this big machine, just to detect something(i know that proving such a beautiful theory is a great achievement), but what next, i mean what other benefits they got after detecting gravitational waves
 
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Besides validating the theory of gravitational waves they provide a new signal to study along with other electromagnetic signals (visible, infrared, gamma ray...).

Combined these signals will allow us to probe the real action going on in a collapse and compare it to our models.

Each device has a blind spot however when used together they can identify a particular location in the sky where the collapse is occurring.

 
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jedishrfu said:
Combined these signals will allow us to probe the real action going on in a collapse and compare it to our models.
I think it is more add it to our models, piled high, with evidence.
 
jedishrfu said:
Each device has a blind spot however when used together they can identify a particular location in the sky where the collapse is occurring.
Wow this sounds interesting
 
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parshyaa said:
if yes then why spending so much money on this big machine,
To put it into perspective, we spend that much money to save commuters and truckers a few minutes. Unlocking a whole new type of astronomy, one that can in principle see past the surface of last scattering, seems like a bargain.
 
Dale said:
To put it into perspective, we spend that much money to save commuters and truckers a few minutes.
... in a single town.

The overall LIGO project has estimated costs of 1.1 billion over 20 years. The US military spends about twice that amount every day.
Another way to compare the numbers: 1.1 billion paid by 320 million US Americans is 17 cents per person and year.
 
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Not that any of those things are bad or wastes of money. Just that in perspective the cost of LIGO is not such an outlandish sum, and we are comparitavely getting a lot from it.
 

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