(Max-Planck-Institut fur Gravitationphysik)
Simulating eXtreme Spacetimes project. of different size orbiting each other, while emitting gravitational waves. Blue colors are weaker
gravitational radiation and red is stronger. observe black holes of different sizes
colliding for
the first time...
Gravitational wave researchers discovered a very unusual merger of black holes 2.4 billion light-years away.
They spotted a collision
where one black hole was almost four times larger than another,
expanding our understanding of such space cataclysms with help from
Einstein (and even Elvis).
What she and her colleagues found proves that very unevenly matched black hole pairs exist.
The research was carried out in collaboration between the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) - twin detectors in Washington and Louisiana - as well as the Virgo observatory near Pisa, Italy.
They both detected the merger.
In an amusing note, the scientists say that the very different masses created gravitational waves at multiple frequencies, which were actually in harmony with an Elvis Presley song.
This cosmic music also
confirms yet again Einstein's theory of general relativity.
In this case, as predicted by Einstein, the very different masses, also produce overtones - weaker waves at higher frequencies.
And if you were to
transpose these frequencies to piano notes and intervals, you would
get the beginning of Presley's classic "I
Can't Help Falling in Love with You."
Under one scenario, the
pair could be the result of two massive stars who were orbiting each
other, collapsing into black holes. Under another theory, the black
holes could have formed independently and found each other in dense
star clusters.
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