Listening to GW150914: Exploring the Sound of Gravitational Waves

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In summary, GW150914, a gravitational wave signal, was detected for a short duration of 200 ms, with a frequency range of 35 Hz to 250 Hz. If it had been closer or the detector more sensitive, the duration could have been longer at frequencies over 16 Hz. If GW150914 were converted into sound, it would sound like a "thud" with a correct distribution of intensity across its frequency range. However, it is not possible to listen to GW150914 specifically, as it is a random gravitational wave signal with no specific location to be observed.
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snorkack
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From what I can read of GW150914, it could be detected for a grand total of 200 ms, with frequency increasing from 35 Hz to 250 Hz.

If it had been nearer, or the detector more sensitive, is it possible to predict what the duration of the emission would have been at frequencies over 16 Hz?

Suppose GW150914 were rendered into sound - with correct distribution of intensity across its frequency range (and time, though this may be too short for reaction time). What does it sound like? Is there any place it - not a formerly predicted gravity wave signal of random parametres, but specifically GW150914 - could be listened to?
 
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snorkack said:
What does it sound like?

It sounds like a "thud".
 
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Related to Listening to GW150914: Exploring the Sound of Gravitational Waves

1. What is GW150914?

GW150914 is the designation given to a gravitational wave signal detected by the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) on September 14, 2015. It is the first confirmed detection of gravitational waves, which are ripples in the fabric of spacetime caused by the collision of two massive black holes.

2. How was GW150914 detected?

The LIGO detectors use laser interferometry to measure tiny changes in the length of two perpendicular arms caused by passing gravitational waves. These changes are on the order of 1/1000th the diameter of a proton, and can only be detected with extremely precise instruments.

3. What does it mean that GW150914 could be "heard"?

Gravitational waves are not sound waves, so they cannot be heard in the traditional sense. However, the term "heard" is often used to describe the detection of gravitational waves because they can be converted into audible signals. In the case of GW150914, the signal was converted into a "chirp" sound, similar to the sound of a bird's chirp, which can be heard in recordings of the event.

4. What was the significance of GW150914?

GW150914 was a groundbreaking discovery that confirmed the existence of gravitational waves, which were predicted by Albert Einstein's theory of general relativity. It also provided strong evidence for the existence of binary black hole systems and opened up a new window for studying the universe and its most extreme phenomena.

5. How does the detection of GW150914 impact our understanding of the universe?

The detection of GW150914 has significantly advanced our understanding of the universe and its most violent and energetic events. It has confirmed the existence of gravitational waves and binary black holes, and has the potential to reveal new insights into the nature of gravity and the origin and evolution of the universe.

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