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Gravitational Wave Detection Imminent?

Seumas Hyslop writes "The UK Telegraph is reporting that we may finally have equipment that are sensitive enough to measure gravitational waves, which are incredibly small and have evaded detection despite the theories that they are present as a way of explaining gravitational effects. Basically, a laser beam is split into two branches that are sent down two identical 2000 feet long tubes and back again via mirrors. Assuming the two arms remain exactly the same distance, they will cancel each other out. But the scientists think that the beams will interfere with each other owing to the effect of gravity, meaning the length of the branches is altered and a gravitational wave has been detected."

5 of 326 comments (clear)

  1. Waves? by MavEtJu · · Score: 4, Funny

    Bring out your gravity surfboard and roll on!

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  2. Re:Obligatory nitpick by ari_j · · Score: 5, Funny

    Maybe the gravitational waves changed the i into an a.

  3. Re:difference by msuarezalvarez · · Score: 5, Funny
    Is there some form of callibration ?

    Do you seriously think they might have forgotten about callibration? Do you think whoever is in charge of this thing is that dumb? By all means, if you do, pick up a telephone, call them and shout "Remember to do some form of callibration!!!". Be sure to be very emphatic. Science will thank you.

  4. Re:hehe by Fred_A · · Score: 5, Funny

    It's not an error, don't you know that in US english on the Internet any vowel can replace any other ?

    The few readers who will actually know what "immanent" means will also know that it was actually supposed to be "imminent", so no harm done. The rest will just see it spelled as usual.

    Live with the times !

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  5. Re:hehe by Bogtha · · Score: 5, Funny

    It's not an error, don't you know that in US english on the Internet any vowel can replace any other ?

    That's the most rediculous thing I've ever heard!

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