Black Hole Merger Illustration (IMAGE)

Simons Foundation

Black Hole Merger Illustration

Caption

When two black holes collide and merge, they release gravitational waves. These waves can be detected by sensitive instruments on Earth, allowing scientists to determine the mass and spin of the black holes. The clearest black hole merger signal yet, named GW250114 and recorded by LIGO in January 2025, offers new insights into these mysterious objects.

Credit

Maggie Chiang for Simons Foundation

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