LIGO UAE

What is the Purpose of LIGO?

LIGO, the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory, was designed to revolutionize astrophysics by enabling the direct detection of gravitational waves, as predicted by Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity. This groundbreaking observatory opened a new window into the cosmos, allowing scientists to observe ripples in spacetime caused by some of the universe’s most extreme events.

What Did LIGO Detect?

On September 14, 2015, LIGO achieved a historic milestone: it directly observed gravitational waves produced by the collision of two black holes located 1.3 billion light-years away. This detection confirmed Einstein’s century-old prediction and marked the beginning of a new era in astrophysics, offering insights into black holes, neutron stars, and the fabric of spacetime itself.

Where Are the Current LIGO Observatories Located?

LIGO operates two primary gravitational-wave observatories in the United States:

• LIGO Livingston (Louisiana, USA)
• LIGO Hanford (Washington, USA)

Internationally, additional gravitational-wave observatories include:

• VIRGO (Italy)
• GEO600 (Germany)
• TAMA (Japan)
• KAGRA (Japan)
• The proposed LIGO UAE, part of a Middle East consortium (UAE | KSA).

How Large is the LIGO System?

LIGO features two 4-kilometer-long interferometer arms, making it one of the largest and most precise scientific instruments ever built.

• VIRGO, GEO600, and TAMA complement LIGO’s efforts worldwide.
• The proposed LIGO UAE aims to expand the global network with 9-kilometer-long interferometer arms in the Middle East.
• The future LIGO Cosmic Explorer (USA) will be a next-generation observatory with 40-kilometer-long arms, increasing sensitivity tenfold over current LIGO detectors.
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How Powerful is the LIGO Laser?

LIGO’s laser system is among the most advanced ever developed:

• Each fiber carries 45 watts of laser power.
• Bundles of seven fibers deliver 315 W into each High Power Oscillator (HPO) rod.
• By the time the beam exits the HPO, it reaches a final power of 200 W, enabling LIGO’s unparalleled precision in detecting spacetime distortions.

LIGO continues to push the boundaries of human knowledge, expanding our understanding of the cosmos through the detection of invisible waves that shape the universe itself.