AsianScientist (Feb. 19, 2016) – Following this month’s announcement of the first observation of gravitational waves arriving at the earth from a cataclysmic event in the distant universe, the Indian Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has granted in-principle approval to the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory in India (LIGO-India) Project.
The project will build an Advanced LIGO Observatory in India, a move that will significantly improve the ability of scientists to pinpoint the sources of gravitational waves and analyze the signals.
Gravitational waves—ripples in the fabric of space and time produced by dramatic events in the universe, such as merging black holes, and predicted as a consequence of Albert Einstein’s 1915 general theory of relativity—carry information about their origins and about the nature of gravity that cannot otherwise be obtained. With their first direct detection, announced on February 11, scientists opened a new window onto the cosmos.
According to a statement from the Indian Cabinet, “LIGO-India will also bring considerable opportunities in cutting edge technology for the Indian industry,” which will be responsible for the construction of the new observatory’s four-kilometer-long beam tubes.
The Indian effort brings together three of the country’s top research institutes; the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA), the Raja Ramanna Centre for Advanced Technology (RRCAT), and the Institute for Plasma Research (IPR). The project is managed by the Department of Atomic Energy and the Department of Science and Technology.
“It is technically feasible for LIGO-India to go online by the end of 2023,” says Mr. Fred Raab, head of the LIGO Hanford Observatory and LIGO Laboratory liaison for LIGO-India.
Scientists at RRCAT have designed a special testing/prototype facility for receiving Advanced LIGO parts and are currently cross-checking the IPR vacuum-system drawings against the Advanced LIGO detector drawings to ensure a good fit and rapid installation.
In addition to leading the site-selection process, IUCAA scientists have been setting up a computing center for current and future data. This preparation should make it possible for India to carry the project forward rapidly.
“LIGO India is out of the plane of the other three advanced gravitational-wave interferometers. Thus, it will help narrow down the on-sky location of the gravitational waves tremendously and give a big boost to the astronomers hunting for the light,” says Mansi Kasliwal, assistant professor of astronomy and the leader of the Caltech effort to search for electromagnetic emission from gravitational waves using the intermediate Palomar Transient Factory.
Indian astronomers have a long tradition of work in general relativity, gravitational waves, the development of algorithms for gravitational wave detection, and also in the data analysis itself, notes Ajit Kembhavi, emeritus professor at IUCAA Pune and chair of the LIGO-India site-selection committee.
“The LIGO-India project provides a great opportunity to take these interests forward and to participate in the rapid development of the field, which may very well come to dominate astronomy for some time,” he says.
“LIGO-India will be able to attract young people with a variety of skills from the numerous students who are engaged in strong programs in STEM education,” adds Somak Raychaudhury, director of IUCAA Pune.
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Source: Caltech.
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