This Is What Gravitational Waves Sound Like

This Is What Gravitational Waves Sound Like

Scientists just announced the detection of gravitational waves, a discovery first reported by Gizmodo that stands to change the way we understand our universe in extraordinary ways. That said, gravitational waves are way to small to see. But you can hear them with the right instruments.

Gaby González, a physicist and spokesperson for the LIGO Scientific Collaboration, played a waveform at the National Press Club on Thursday morning that amounted to a little soundtrack for our universe. The LIGO scientists converted the gravitational wave data into sound for, and if you listen very closely, you can hear a little chirp. Those are the gravitational waves spiking in frequency as two black holes collide!

For more details on the discovery and what it means, check out this handy explainer:

And don’t forget to read the rest of our gravitational wave coverage!


The Cheapest NBN 50 Plans

It’s the most popular NBN speed in Australia for a reason. Here are the cheapest plans available.

At Gizmodo, we independently select and write about stuff we love and think you'll like too. We have affiliate and advertising partnerships, which means we may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. BTW – prices are accurate and items in stock at the time of posting.