This is a bit mind, er, bending:<\/p>\n
… gravitational lensing has been around for a while, but now it is about to enter a compelling new chapter. Scientists know it isn\u2019t just light that can be lensed, but\u00a0gravitational waves<\/a>\u00a0too. It is a mind-bending concept: ripples in space-time themselves being distorted by the curvature of space. It is also a deeply important phenomenon that could illuminate the secret interiors of neutron stars, settle a mystery about the power of dark energy and test gravity itself more keenly than ever. And here is the best part: we may be on the cusp of spotting our first lensed gravitational wave. [“<\/em>We are about to hear echoes in the fabric of space for the first time<\/a>,” Jonathan O’Callaghan, <\/em>NewScientist<\/strong> (18 May 2024, paywall)]<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Gravity waves are just barely within my comprehension, my intuition. I’m not sure if gravity lensing marches out into Here there be dragons<\/em> territory, or if it still makes sense.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
This is a bit mind, er, bending: … gravitational lensing has been around for a while, but now it is about to enter a compelling new chapter. Scientists know it isn\u2019t just light that can be lensed, but\u00a0gravitational waves\u00a0too. It is a mind-bending concept: ripples in space-time themselves being distorted \u2026 Continue reading