Why in NEWS
The international LVK collaboration (LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA) has detected the most massive black hole merger ever observed, labeled GW231123, marking a major milestone in astrophysics.
Key Concepts Simplified
| Term | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Black Hole Merger | Collision of two black holes orbiting each other, releasing gravitational waves. |
| Gravitational Waves | Ripples in space-time caused by massive accelerating bodies, predicted by Einstein. |
| LVK Network | Global observatories (LIGO-US, Virgo-Italy, KAGRA-Japan) detecting gravitational waves. |
| GW231123 | The event name of this record-breaking black hole collision. |
Event Highlights
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Masses of Black Holes | ~100 and ~140 times the mass of the Sun |
| Final Black Hole | ~225 solar masses (after loss of mass as energy via gravitational waves) |
| Time Travel | Occurred billions of years ago; waves reached Earth in 2025 |
| Spin | The final black hole is spinning unusually fast |
| Importance | Indicates large black holes can form from mergers, not just star collapse |
Gravitational Wave Network: LVK
| Detector | Location | Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| LIGO | USA | First to detect gravitational waves in 2015 |
| Virgo | Italy | Enhances event triangulation and accuracy |
| KAGRA | Japan | Adds sensitivity and Asian observational reach |
| LIGO-India | India (Upcoming) | Will enhance global precision; being built in collaboration with the US |
In a Nutshell
Mnemonic: “Big BANGS”
Black holes
Accelerate
Near each other
Generate
Space-time waves
Prelims Practice Questions
- Which of the following best describes a black hole merger?
A. Explosion of a star
B. Collision of two neutron stars
C. Collision of two black holes emitting gravitational waves
D. Creation of a black hole from a supernova - Which of the following is not a part of the LVK collaboration?
A. Virgo
B. LIGO
C. KAGRA
D. CERN - What was the significance of the GW231123 event?
A. First gravitational wave detected
B. Largest black hole merger detected
C. Proof of wormholes
D. Evidence of white holes
Mains Practice Questions
- What are gravitational waves, and how do they help in understanding the formation and evolution of black holes? 10 Marks (UPSC GS Paper 3 – Science & Tech)
- Discuss the significance of international collaborations like LVK in advancing astronomical research. 10 Marks
Prelims Answers with Explanations
| Q | Answer | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | C | A black hole merger refers to the collision of two black holes, emitting waves. |
| 2 | D | CERN is a particle physics lab, not part of gravitational wave observatories. |
| 3 | B | GW231123 is notable for being the most massive black hole merger detected yet. |
