Scientists have detected what may be remembered as the biggest discovery in our lifetimes: gravitational waves. The minute but unequivocal readings are further confirmation of Einstein's Theory of General Relativity, and serve to deepen our scientific knowledge of the way the universe ticks.
We spoke with a few people to get a sense of the scope and impact of the findings:
Sean Carrol, science writer and professor ("The Particle at the End of the Universe")
NASA researcher Michele Valisneri (who helped detect and confirm the waves)
Alan MacRobert: Senior Editor of "Sky & Telescope"
Bob Naeye: Former Editor-and-Chief of "Sky & Telescope"