Some indication of the complex math involved in modeling a close massive binary system of compact objects - be they neutron stars or black holes. Surely, you couldn't possibly just guess the outcome here - at least you wouldn't think that you possibly could. Credit: NASA.
Gravitational waves are apparently devilishly difficult things to model with Einstein field equations, since they are highly dynamic and non-symmetric. Traditionally, the only way to get close to predicting the likely effects of gravity waves was to estimate the Einstein equation parameters by assuming the objects causing the gravity waves do not generate strong gravity fields themselves ? and nor do they move at velocities anywhere close to the speed of light.
Trouble is, the mostly likely candidate objects that might generate detectable gravity waves ? close binary neutron stars and merging black holes ? have exactly those properties. They are highly compact, very massive bodies that often move at relativistic (i.e. close to the speed of light) velocities. (...)
Read the rest of Astronomy Without A Telescope – Unreasonable Effectiveness (429 words)
© Steve Nerlich for Universe Today, 2011. | Permalink | 3 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: General Relativity
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Full story at http://www.universetoday.com/83759/astronomy-without-a-telescope-unreasonable-effectiveness/
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