Dose LIGO verify GR definitely?

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In summary, LIGO has detected a gravitational wave event that matches the predicted numerical waveform of general relativity. A paper published in PRL further supports this by showing consistency between the remnant mass and spin calculated from the early and late stages of the event. However, this does not necessarily prove general relativity to be the correct classical gravity theory, as physical theories have their own domains of validity. This event does expand the range of validity for general relativity, but it is still not a complete and all-encompassing theory. The question of whether this event falsifies other gravity theories is still being debated. Multiple discussions about this topic can be found in the astronomy and general relativity subsections.
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LIGO announced the detection of gravitational wave event GW150914, which coincided with the numerical waveform predicted by GR.
The PRL paper says "Using fitting formulas calibrated to numerical relativity simulations, we verified that the remnant mass and spin deduced from the early stage of the coalescence and those inferred independently from the late stage are consistent with each other, with no evidence for disagreement from general relativity."
Does it mean that Einstein's gravity theory has been proved to be the correct classical gravity theory? To what extent are other gravity theories excluded?
 
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Physical theories are not "correct" or "incorrect", they have domains of validity where they give accurate predictions. Newton's law of gravitation is exquisitely accurate within the solar system, for example, but fails in regions of strong gravity or at velocities close to the speed of light. Before this event, general relativity had only been validated in regions of relatively weak gravity, and this pushes the domain of validity into regions of much stronger gravity than had been done before. However, we know that GR is not completely "correct" because it does not take quantum mechanics into account. Whether we will ever have a single Theory of Everything which is completely correct in all domains is, I think, an open question. Whether this event falsifies some alternate gravity theories seems to be still under debate.
 
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We have multiple threads about this in the astronomy and the general relativity subsection already, please use those.
 

Related to Dose LIGO verify GR definitely?

1. How does LIGO verify General Relativity?

LIGO (Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory) verifies General Relativity (GR) through the detection and analysis of gravitational waves. These waves, predicted by Einstein's theory of GR, cause ripples in the fabric of space-time. By measuring the properties of these waves, such as their frequency and amplitude, LIGO is able to confirm the predictions made by GR.

2. What is the role of LIGO in verifying GR?

LIGO plays a crucial role in verifying GR by providing experimental evidence for the existence of gravitational waves, which is a key prediction of this theory. By detecting and analyzing these waves, LIGO helps to confirm the validity of GR and its predictions about the nature of gravity.

3. How does LIGO's technology work to verify GR?

LIGO's technology consists of two laser interferometers, one in Louisiana and one in Washington state. These interferometers use laser beams and mirrors to detect gravitational waves passing through the Earth. The waves cause tiny changes in the length of the laser beams, which are measured by the interferometers. By comparing the results from both detectors, scientists can verify the presence of gravitational waves and confirm GR's predictions.

4. Has LIGO's data provided conclusive evidence for GR?

Yes, LIGO's data has provided strong evidence for the validity of GR. In 2015, the first detection of gravitational waves was announced by LIGO, which was caused by the collision of two black holes. This discovery provided direct evidence for the existence of gravitational waves and confirmed Einstein's theory of GR.

5. What are the implications of LIGO's verification of GR?

LIGO's verification of GR has significant implications for our understanding of the universe and the nature of gravity. It confirms that gravity is a result of the curvature of space-time, as predicted by GR, and not a force between masses. This has opened up new avenues for research in astrophysics and cosmology, and has the potential to lead to further breakthroughs in our understanding of the universe.

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