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Scientists at an NSF press conference announce the first direct observation of gravitational waves
Scientists at an NSF press conference on Feb. 11, 2016, announce the first direct observation of gravitational waves. This confirms a major prediction of Albert Einstein's 1915 general theory of relativity and opens an unprecedented new window to the cosmos.The gravitational waves were detected by the twin Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO) detectors, located in Livingston, Louisiana, and Hanford, Washington. The LIGO observatories are funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), and were conceived, built and are operated by the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Learn more in the LIGO special report.
Credit: National Science Foundation
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