With this discovery emerges not only a pattern among black holes but also possibilities of gravitational wave astronomy, detection of new heavenly bodies and gaining a better understanding of that most elusive of theories — Einstein’s general theory of relativity, and the fundamental force of gravitation. However, there will still remain some blind spots which can be overcome if the LIGO-India project enters the fray, as planned, in 2024. Assembling the parts to form a mature scientific enterprise, a first for India, will be an enormous challenge. The detected black hole mergers may seem simple compared with the dynamics of this massive coming together of so many theoreticians and experimentalists. However, what holds promise is that the level of the challenge is well-matched by the experience, the number and the ability of the scientists involved.

Source: The Hindu June 13, 2017 18:33 UTC