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Blue Dot 03: Gravitational Waves On The Shores Of The Earth

MIT

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"

Dave Schlom is the longtime host and creator of Blue Dot. From surfing to Voyager in interstellar space, rock guitar to orcas in our imperiled oceans, the topics on Blue Dot are as varied as the host’s interests and connections -- which are pretty limitless! An internationally respected space history journalist, Dave is also deeply fascinated by all aspects of the grand workings of nature’s awesome machinery on scales ranging from galactic to subatomic. And topics take in all aspects of the arts and sciences.