UPSC 2019ScienceModerate

Recently, scientists observed the merger of giant 'blackholes' billions of light-years away from the Earth. What is the significance of this observation?

A
'Higgs boson particles' were detected.
B
'Gravitational waves' were detected.
Correct Answer
C
Possibility of inter-galactic space travel through 'wormhole' was confirmed.
D
It enabled the scientists to understand 'singularity'.

Explanation

The merger of massive celestial bodies like black holes generates ripples in the fabric of spacetime called gravitational waves, which were famously detected by the LIGO and Virgo observatories. While black holes are theoretically centered on a 'singularity' (Option D), the specific significance of observing their merger is the emission of detectable energy in the form of waves rather than a direct observation of the singularity itself. This question tests the core concept of gravitational wave astronomy and its role in confirming Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity.

Astronomy & AstrophysicsBlackhole mergers and Gravitational WavesBlackholesmergerlight-yearsHiggs boson particlesGravitational waveswormholesingularityLIGO

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