The fabric of space-time is replete with waves and valleys according to new findings by astronomers who report observing a “gravitational wave background,” a discovery that further verifies additional aspects of Einstein’s general theory of relativity.
Per the Washington Post, astronomers using Earth-based telescopes were able to identify ripples and eddies in space-time caused by massive gravitational forces in the universe. Einstein’s vision of the universe was not one of consistent space-time; instead, he imagined a varied, complex fabric where space-time was denser in some areas and thinner in others due to the influence of supermassive objects like black holes. Instead of floating on the calm sea of a lake, the Earth is traveling more like it’s bobbing on choppy seas, being pushed from all directions.
In five papers published Wednesday, competing teams of astronomers in the US, Europe, India, Australia and China reported observing the same phenomena using similar processes and were all able to publish their independent research at the same time, thanks in part to negotiating by some leaders in the field who wanted to ensure the (literally) Earth-shaking science. The simultaneous publication allows all teams to share credit for the discovery.