Learn

Find your way in

Whether you're reading for fun, studying for a degree, teaching a class, or doing research, there's an entry point — and reputable resources to go deeper.

For curious readers

Start with plain-language explainers on what gravitational waves are and why they matter.

LIGO science

For students

Hands-on notebooks and tutorials that let you analyze real detector data.

GWOSC tutorials

For teachers

Educational resources and datasets you can bring directly into the classroom.

GWOSC

For researchers

Open catalogs, strain data, software tools, and a documented public API.

GWOSC API Software

Visuals

Imagery & credits

Interferometer arms

Courtesy Caltech/MIT/LIGO Laboratory

Control room operations

Courtesy Caltech/MIT/LIGO Laboratory

Optics and test masses

Courtesy Caltech/MIT/LIGO Laboratory

Detector site aerial

Courtesy Caltech/MIT/LIGO Laboratory