Scientists have for the first time detected gravitational waves, distortions in space-time caused by the collision of two black holes. Einstein had predicted the existence of these waves, but until this research by the Ligo Collaboration they had not been directly detected. The research opens up the possibility of learning more about gravity, black holes, and the origins of the universe. Ligo’s executive director Prof David Reitze said “It’s the first time the Universe has spoken to us through gravitational waves. Up until now, we’ve been deaf.”
