Back
4.5 Multi-Messenger Astronomy
Discussion
-
-
We now know that LIGO successfully detected a gravitational wave originating from a binary black hole merger on September 14, 2015, four days before LIGO was going to officially begin taking data. At the time of detection LIGO was still in an “engineering mode”, testing systems in anticipation of a data-taking run. This may have been extremely fortunate timing. How much of a role do you think luck plays in scientific research? Do you think it is possible that we have missed out on certain observations because in those cases we were unlucky? Explain your answers.
-
is the question a complete sentence? although confused here is my best answer. Yes. It is extremely unlucky that it took 20 years to build and thus have missed out on 20 years of data collection. Until we have citizen level democracy we 300,000,000 in the US will be subject to the whims and will of 534 politicians. That we have the ability to understand and peacefully change the unlucky process is very lucky for us all.
-
It’s fascinating that the detection of the gravitational wave in September 2015 occurred during the testing period of LIGO. The role of luck in scientific research is an interesting question. Luck can play a significant role in scientific discoveries, but it is often a result of preparation, persistence, and careful experiment design.
In many cases, scientists develop theories, design experiments, and conduct observations in the hope of making significant discoveries. However, the unpredictable nature of the universe can lead to unexpected findings, and sometimes these discoveries may happen in what some might call “lucky” situations.
It’s important to note, though, that scientists typically work hard to maximize their chances of success. They invest time and resources in developing advanced technologies, improving experimental methods, and analyzing data. “Luck” often favors those who are prepared to recognize it and make the most of it.
Regarding the possibility of missing certain observations due to bad luck, it is a potential reality. There may be unique and rare cosmic events that occur beyond the reach of existing observational instruments. However, as technology and observational capabilities improve, the likelihood of detecting previously missed events increases.
In summary, while luck may play a role, the preparation and dedication of scientists are crucial elements in scientific research. Luck often favors those who are attentive and prepared to recognize unique opportunities when they arise.
-
Based on the number of detection that we have been seeing since the inception of Advanced LIGO, I think the gravitation waves from Binaries were always there and now we have the technology to detect them. Hope we can make it more precise to detect more and have better understanding of the universe.
Regarding Luck, i believe that “Luck” is nothing but, all the forces of the universe agreeing on something. As we donot fully understand the universe, we cannot predict Luck, thats all. -
Surely were some important signals in the past missed, misinterpreted or even lost, but since today’s technologies are far developed chances to get a deeper understanding is given. But since many unknowns like e.g., black matter and black energy are a still mysterious and a lot of mathematical models seem far from ever being testable, it is also important to bridge that gap.
-
Luck does play a role but it depends on how frequent something that the experiment depends on happening actually happens. For example, it seems that substantial gravitational waves happen quite a bit, so they would have found them anyway. But it the situation was such that a detectable gravitational wave would happen every million years or so, then luck would play the most important role.
-
Hello Ladies and Gentlemen,
My godfather -Doug Fisher – both Stuart royalty and royalty for the Orangemen…he would say we make our own luck.
I tend to obey him.
So we make our own luck.
The initial pride and initial end of a very long dry season is euphoric.
But take LIGO to Alaska. If LISE funding fails, use circumpolar space biome weirdness to prevail
You must be logged in to reply to this discussion.