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Gravitational wave
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Illustration of a space-based long-range interferometer system for detecting gravitational waves, showing three spacecraft in triangular formation exchanging laser beams, with labeled components including interferometers, solar arrays, thrusters, and the path of gravity waves, as well as Earth's position and orbital path in the background.
Know about the discovery of gravitational waves and their role in unlocking secrets of the universe
What are gravitational waves and how were they first detected?
How are gravitational waves applied in science and in everyday life?
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gravitational radiation summary
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Italian-born physicist Dr. Enrico Fermi draws a diagram at a blackboard with mathematical equations. circa 1950.
Physics and Natural Law
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Gravitational wave: References & Edit History

Article Contributors

Primary Contributors

  • The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
    Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors.

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  • George Dishman

Other Encyclopedia Britannica Contributors

Article History

Type Description Contributor Date
Article title updated for style. Nov 09, 2026
Media added. Mar 22, 2017
Changed title from "gravity wave" to "gravitational wave." Jun 02, 2016
Added discussion about the LIGO observations of gravitational waves and the LISA Pathfinder mission. Jun 02, 2016
Add new Web site: LIGO Caltech - Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory - Gravitational Waves. Feb 15, 2016
Add new Web site: Science Magazine - Gravitational Waves, Einstein�s Ripples in Spacetime, Spotted for First Time. Feb 15, 2016
Add new Web site: Science Magazine - Gravitational Waves, Einstein�s Ripples in Spacetime, Spotted for First Time. Feb 15, 2016
Add new Web site: LIGO Caltech - Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory - Gravitational Waves. Feb 15, 2016
Add new Web site: National Center for Scientific Research (France) Press Release - Gravitational Waves Detected 100 Years After Einstein's Prediction. Feb 15, 2016
Add new Web site: National Center for Scientific Research (France) Press Release - Gravitational Waves Detected 100 Years After Einstein's Prediction. Feb 15, 2016
Add new Web site: CERN - Detection of Gravitational Waves. Feb 15, 2016
Add new Web site: CERN - Detection of Gravitational Waves. Feb 15, 2016
Added "gravitational wave" as an alternate name. Aug 19, 2014
Article revised. Feb 27, 2009
New article added. Sep 08, 2008
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