Watch live: Huge scientific announcement on gravitational waves

11 Feb 2016

Neutron star ripping itself apart image via NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center

The minutes are ticking down towards the seemingly inevitable announcement about the existence of gravitational waves, and you can watch it live here through a dedicated livestream.

Due to start at 15.30 GMT (10.30 EST), the announcement expected to be made by the Advanced Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) will change what we know about the universe in previously unforeseeable ways.

Just for a quick recap, gravitational waves were first theorised by Albert Einstein more than 100 years ago as part of his theory of relativity, which suggested the rippling effect comes after a major cosmic event, like the collision of two black holes.

Last month, the team at LIGO were shocked to find that it’s incredibly sensitive monitoring equipment appeared to find what Einstein had predicted, but which had remained elusive, despite efforts made to find the phenomenon.

Well, now those very researchers are gathering to either confirm or deny (but it’s very, very likely to be confirmation) in the US, London and Paris and you, humble reader, can watch it live through their own stream.

So, don’t forget to tune in and witness the incredible announcement!

Colm Gorey was a senior journalist with Silicon Republic

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