First observation of gravitational waves

2015 detection made by LIGO interferometers

The first direct observation of gravitational waves was made on 14 September 2015 and was announced by the LIGO and Virgo collaborations on 11 February 2016. Previously, gravitational waves had been inferred only indirectly, via their effect on the timing of pulsars in binary star systems. The waveform, detected by both LIGO observatories, matched the predictions of general relativity for a gravitational wave emanating from the inward spiral and merger of two black holes (of 36 M☉ and 29 M☉) and the subsequent ringdown of a single, 62 M☉ black hole remnant.

From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA. More on occurri.