Discovery by scientists working with the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO) system could lead to huge steps forward in understanding how the universe was formed

Scientists could be about to announce that they have observed gravitational waves, or ripples in the fabric of spacetime, in a discovery that could completely change our understanding of the universe.

Gravitational waves were first predicted by Einstein 100 years ago, but have never been directly observed. If rumours about an announcement this week are true, then they may have been seen in a vindication of Einstein’s theory.

Scientists working with the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO) system, which was built to detect the tiny vibrations that passing gravitational waves can give off, are to host an event giving an “update on the search” this week. The event is widely-rumoured to be hosting the announcement that those ripples have been discovered for the first time.

If the waves were detected they would offer a way of looking into the furthest and oldest reaches of the universe. The waves are thrown out from places like black holes from the beginning of time, and studying them could offer an insight into that early and strange universe.

Einstein predicted them a hundred years ago, and work that followed showed that they must exist. But nobody has seen them.

Rumours have been swirling about the detection for weeks. Last month, a scientist away from the project said that it had been confirmed that the waves had been discovered and that an announcement would be forthcoming.

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The invitation to the press is vague and offers few hints at what exactly the scientists will announce. It only says that the team will “update the scientific community” and give a “status report”.

“This year marks the 100th anniversary of the first publication of Albert Einstein's prediction of the existence of gravitational waves,” the release notes. “With interest in this topic piqued by the centennial, the group will discuss their ongoing efforts to observe gravitational waves.”

The event will be hosted on Thursday afternoon UK time, at the National Press Club in Washington DC.

Independent

Independent News Service