2014

Constraining the gravitational wave energy density of the Universe using Earth's ring

Coughlin, Michael, Harms, Jan

Understand

The search for gravitational waves is one of today's major scientific endeavors.

  • A gravitational wave can interact with matter by exciting vibrations of elastic bodies.
  • Earth itself is a large elastic body whose so-called normal-mode oscillations ring up when a gravitational wave passes.
  • Therefore, precise measurement of vibration amplitudes can be used to search for the elusive gravitational-wave signals.

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