Matter in motion generates ripples that propagate in spacetime. Known as gravitational waves, these ripples travel out from the source, much like waves generated by a stone tossed into a pond. The forthcoming generation of ground and space-based gravitational wave detectors have unleashed exciting challenges and opportunities at the interface of general relativity, astrophysics, and experimental physics. Research in this area has three main regions of focus:

• Gravitational Wave Sources and Astrophysics
• Numerical Relativity and Source Simulations
• Data Analysis and Interpretation
• Gravitational Wave Astrophysics of GRB and AGN

Find Out More

• Center for Gravitational Wave Physics Site

• Institute for Gravitational Physics and Geometry

Recent Developments

• 13 January 2005 - Supermassive black holes grow massive by eatting smaller black holes and neutron stars. By using elaborate computer modeling, Penn State scientists have calculated the rate of this consumption, called "extreme-mass-ratio inspirals. Read the Article