Science
The science of eLISA / NGO
eLISA/NGO will measure gravitational wave signals from a wide range of sources. Numerical simulation of two inspiralling black holes that merge to form a new black hole. Credits: Numerical simulation - C. Reisswig, L. Rezzolla (AEI); Scientific visualization - M. Koppitz (AEI & Zuse Institute Berlin)
Numerical simulation of two neutron stars merging in an instant. A strong magnetic field forms along the rotational axis during this process, creating a jet which may contain gamma ray bursts. Credit: L. Rezolla (AEI) & M. Koppitz (AEI & Zuse-Institut Berlin)
Today we can SEE the beauty of the Universe with modern telescopes in many wavelengths. Observing the Universe with gravitational waves - a wave type which can be related to the acoustic waves - will allow us for the first time to HEAR it.
According to Einstein´s general relativity, accelerated masses produce gravitational waves – perturbations of spacetime propagating at the speed of light through the universe, unhindered by intervening mass. A direct observation of gravitational waves will add a new sense to our perception of the Universe.
Hence we will for the first time LISTEN to the Universe
- and survey compact stellar-mass binaries and study the structure of the Galaxy
- trace the formation, growth, and merger history of massive black holes
- explore stellar populations and dynamics in galactic nuclei
- confront General Relativity with observations
- probe new physics and cosmology with gravitational waves
- and complement our picture of the Universe and its evolution.
