Gravitational waves are ripples in spacetime caused by the acceleration of massive objects, such as colliding black holes or neutron stars. Predicted by Albert Einstein in 1916 as part of his General Theory of Relativity, these waves were first directly detected in 2015 by the LIGO observatory, marking a groundbreaking moment in astrophysics.

The detection of gravitational waves opens a new window for observing the universe, allowing scientists to study cosmic events that are otherwise invisible through traditional telescopes. By analyzing these waves, researchers can gain insights into the properties of black holes, the nature of neutron stars, and the fundamental laws of physics.

Gravitational wave astronomy complements electromagnetic observations, providing a more comprehensive understanding of celestial phenomena. As technology advances and detection methods improve, the study of gravitational waves promises to deepen our knowledge of the universe and reveal the intricacies of its most violent and energetic events.