32nd episode of 'RIST Popular Talk' held
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 27 2017:
The 32nd episode of 'RIST Popular Talk', a monthly lecture-deliberation series in Manipur University and its constituent colleges in the State, was held today at Dhanamanjuri Community College of DM College of Science .
Professor N Nimai Singh, Head, Department of Physics, Manipur University delivered lecture on the topic "Nobel Prize 2017 in Physics: Detection of Gravitational Waves by LIGO" at the programme organized by Research Institute of Science and Technology (RIST), Imphal .
He stated that the Nobel Prize 2017 in Physics was conferred to three American physicists/scientists, namely Rainer Weirs, Barry C Barish and Kip S Throne for their pioneering contributions for the detection of gravitational waves (GW 150914) by Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory (LIGO) .
Recounting the historical background of the LIGO gravitational wavelength detection, Nimai said LIGO detected the gravitational wavelength on September 14, 2015 although its announcement was made to the masses only in February 2016 during a press meet.
The "Big Bang Theory" was a main impetus for the detection of gravitational wavelength as the theory develops the existence of formation of 'Black Hole' which placed to be happened at around 13.8 billion ago .
Later, 1.3 billion years ago from today, a medium size black hole (29 solar mass) and another black hole (39 solar mass) have been theoretically established as binary system with the emission of gravitational waves from them.
Due to the consistent release of gravitational waves, the two black holes merged as one, the Professor explained .
The wavelength has now reached to earth and it was detected for the first time on September 14, 2015 by LIGO, although its announcement was made almost after a year, he continued .
He went on to state that scientists have been doing research on the gravitational wavelength since many years back as Albert Einstein predicted its existence many years ago.
But, now gravitational wavelength has been detected which proves that Einstein's prediction is true.
So far, it is reported that gravitational wavelength has been measured for fifth times by various scientists on different events and through various technical means.
One such prominent account is the discovery of gravitational wave from VIRGO-LIGO collaboration in Pisa, Italy after detected by LIGO, he stated .
Highlighting the connection between the discovery of gravitational wave by LIGO and India, Nimai conveyed that altogether 39 Indian scientists have contributed to the invention of LIGO.
He informed that a Central cabinet meeting has also decided to set up advanced experimental facilities for a multi-institutional observatory project in gravitational wave astronomy called LIGO-India in Mumbai .
Questions related to the lecture were asked to the participants and gifts hamper were given to those who gave right answers.
An interaction session was also held during the lecture programme.