First Neutron Star Collision Detected by Gravity Waves and Light

The afterglow of the enormously energetic event was detected across the electromagnetic spectrum —in radio, infrared, optical, and ultraviolet light—using an international fleet of ground and space observatories, yielding another remarkable result. Spectroscopic data from the U.S. Gemini Observatory and the European Southern Observatory (ESO) revealed the signatures of heavy elements, including gold and platinum, directly confirming their creation in the massive explosion. Cosmic events of this type are one of the few mechanisms through which elements heavier than iron—and on which modern human civilization now depends—are produced and seeded throughout the universe.

“This observation of a neutron star merger is a triumphant confirmation of our theories on the nature of gamma-ray bursts and the origin of heavy elements, and it ushers in a new era of multi-messenger astrophysics,” said Dr. Maria Zuber, Chair of the National Science Board and Vice President for Research at MIT. “It is astonishing to have achieved this result so soon after Advanced LIGO and Virgo began scientific observations. As if confirming a major prediction of Einstein’s theory of general relativity was not enough, this demonstrates how LIGO and Virgo are also already revolutionizing stellar astronomy and nucleosynthesis. These gravitational wave observations are truly providing us with a new window on the universe.”

The National Science Foundation (NSF) began supporting early studies of LIGO in 1975, and the project formally came to the National Science Board in 1984. These breathtaking discoveries made with LIGO speak to why scientists—and all of humanity—should continue to dream big, to continue exploring, and to imagine what might be possible.