The Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) is a large-scale scientific experiment designed to detect gravitational waves as predicted by Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity. LIGO’s multi-kilometer-scale gravitational-wave detectors use laser interferometry to measure the minute ripples in spacetime caused by passing gravitational waves from cataclysmic cosmic sources such as spinning neutron stars, the mergers of pairs of neutron stars or black holes, and supernovae.
Humans of LIGO is an initiative which celebrates the vital cogs in this mega-science endeavor: individuals in the LIGO Scientific Collaboration (LSC). Founded in 1997, the LSC comprises of more than 1300 scientists and engineers from over 100 institutions and 18 countries worldwide. The Collaboration exhibits incredible diversity among its members, with people coming from all backgrounds and at various stages of their careers.
Enjoy features on CIERA researchers Eve Chase and Scotty Coughlin.