3.30 p.m.
Audible Universe
K G Arun
Washington University, U.S.A.
03-02-10

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Abstract

Gravitational Waves (GWs) is one of the most unique predictions of General Relativity. The orbital decay of binary pulsars provide indirect evidence for their existence. The ongoing interferometric GW experiments such as LIGO and Virgo as well as the planned space mission LISA are designed to directly detect these waves. GWs would provide an entirely new perspective of our universe complementing the conventional means of astronomy based on electromagnetic waves. Since the frequencies of these waves are in the audible band, they will bring an audible perspective of our universe (in comparison with the visible universe of electromagnetic observations).

This talk will introduce GWs, describe its unique features and discuss various ground-based and space-based experiments to detect them. The exciting astrophysics possible by their detection will be highlighted.