VIRGO Joins LIGO

On Tuesday August 1st, 2017, VIRGO joined the twin LIGO detectors in the search for gravitational waves.  According to David Reitze, the Executive Director of LIGO Laboratory, “With Advanced Virgo joining the O2 run, we take the next step forward in gravitational-wave astronomy. Virgo brings a critical capability to the global network in its ability to substantially improve our ability to localize gravitational events."   Virgo is located near Pisa, Italy and the detector uses 3 km. long arms.  Although the Virgo detector isn't quite as sensitive as the two LIGO detectors, it could confirm a potential detection, and help locate the gravitational wave source in the sky with higher accuracy. For more information please checkout VIRGO's press release.

In the words of David Reitze, "The LIGO Laboratory congratulates our VIRGO colleagues on reaching this milestone."