Discoveries
A century from prediction to detection
Gravitational waves went from a theoretical prediction to a routine astronomical signal in just over 100 years. Here are the milestones that made it possible.
- 1916
Einstein predicts gravitational waves
General relativity implies that accelerating masses ripple spacetime, sending waves outward at the speed of light.
Source: LIGO science - 1974
Hulse–Taylor binary pulsar
A decaying pulsar orbit matched the energy loss expected from gravitational waves, offering the first indirect evidence.
- Sep 14, 2015
First direct detection (GW150914)
LIGO recorded the merger of two black holes — the first direct observation of gravitational waves.
Source: Event catalog - 2017
Nobel Prize in Physics
The prize recognized decisive contributions to the LIGO detector and the observation of gravitational waves.
- 2017
GW170817 — multi-messenger astronomy
A neutron-star merger was seen in gravitational waves and light, launching multi-messenger astronomy.
Source: Event catalog - 2025
O4 observing run completed
The fourth observing run wrapped up, expanding the catalog of confirmed transient sources.
- 2026
GWTC-5.0 catalog released
The latest transient catalog reached 390 confirmed gravitational-wave events.
Source: GWOSC - 2030 (target)
LIGO-India first observations
A new detector in India aims to sharpen sky localization across the global network.