( detecting-gravitation-waves-02 )

Artist’s illustration of two merging neutron stars. In August 2017, scientists directly detected both gravitational waves and light from such a collision. The discovery was made using LIGO, the Europe-based Virgo detector, and some 70 ground- and space-based observatories. Image: National Science Foundation/LIGO/Sonoma State University/A. Simonnet

Artist’s illustration of two merging neutron stars. In August 2017, scientists directly detected both gravitational waves and light from such a collision. The discovery was made using LIGO, the Europe-based Virgo detector, and some 70 ground- and space-based observatories. Image: National Science Foundation/LIGO/Sonoma State University/A. Simonnet