The enormous astronomical discovery that proved Einstein right, explained
Confused about gravitational waves and what makes them so important? We're here to help...
Last week, American physicists made a really, really big announcement: the discovery of gravitational waves. This find — a billion years in the making — confirms what Albert Einstein theorized a century ago in his general theory of relativity. Stephen Hawking said the discovery could "revolutionize astronomy," and the news media trumpeted the discovery as potentially shaping our very understanding of the universe we live in.
But what exactly are these gravitational waves, and why are they such a big deal? In this podcast, we'll explain what gravitational waves are, how physicists were able to detect them, and why this discovery is so monumental. We'll even hear what gravitational waves sound like. Click on the podcast above, and join this celebration of science.
Listen to more of The Week's podcasts:
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Lindsey Kratochwill is a digital production assistant at TheWeek.com where she edits podcasts and videos. She also co-hosts a podcast for Popular Science and has written for Popular Science, Fast Company, and The Guardian, among other publications. She's an unapologetic science nerd and an apologetic Floridian.
-
How much of a blow is ICC arrest warrant for Netanyahu?
Today's Big Question Action by Hague court damages Israel's narrative that Gaza conflict is a war between 'good and evil'
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
UK gynaecological care crisis: why thousands of women are left in pain
The Explainer Waiting times have tripled over the past decade thanks to lack of prioritisation or funding for women's health
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
'The Hum': the real-life noise behind The Listeners
In The Spotlight Can some of us also hear the disturbing sound that plagues characters in the hit TV show – and where is it coming from?
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published