US EditionBlack Hole Collision Confirms Decades-Old Predictions by Einstein and Hawking
The clear gravitational wave signal from two black holes 1.3 billion light years away confirms theoretical predictions on black hole mass, spin, and event horizon area increase.
- On January 14, the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory recorded GW250114, the clearest black-hole merger signal yet from two black holes roughly 1.3 billion light years away that collided and merged.
- The LIGO‑Virgo‑KAGRA collaboration relied on upgraded detectors and LIGO's 4‑kilometre interferometers, whose improved sensitivity provided unprecedented clarity for analysing the merger.
- Detailed 'ringing' analysis revealed the final black hole had a mass 63 times the sun, spun at 100 revolutions per second, and surface area grew from roughly 240,000 to 400,000 sq km with two oscillation modes detected.
- By confirming key predictions, researchers say the data support Einstein's and Kerr's theories and could help in reconciling general relativity with quantum mechanics.
- Scientists hailed the discovery as a turning point that promises more precise spacetime and gravity tests, honoring Stephen Hawking who died in 2018 before this confirmation and highlighting the audible 'chirp' of black hole collisions.
12 Articles
12 Articles
An unprecedented signal, captured by instruments of observatories in the United States, Italy and Japan, allowed specialists to accurately verify predictions of the behavior of these extreme objects
A fusion of black holes recently discovered by the European Gravitational Observatory has been able to provide the clearest evidence up to the date of its operation. In addition, it has confirmed the fundamental predictions of Albert Einstein and Stephen Hawking, so sought after for a long time. The results have been published in Physical Review Letters by the LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA collaboration. A decade ago, scientists first detected waves in the t…
Sydney Morning Herald
WA todayTwo black holes collided 1.3 billion light years away. Australian scientists were there for the big moment
It’s the most significant leap forward in the study of black holes in decades, and proved a theory conceived by one of history’s greatest minds.
Colliding black holes 'ringing' across space and time prove Hawking, Einstein theories right
Two black holes collided 1.3 billion light years from Earth, creating a 'ringing,' which in turn allowed astrophysicists to test some theories. And it turns out, they were all correct.
A decade ago, scientists first detected ripples in spacetime, known as gravitational waves, generated by the collision of two black holes. Now, a newly detected black hole merger provides the clearest evidence yet of how black holes operate, confirming theoretical assumptions of renowned physicists Einstein and Hawking.
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