Title: Gravitational Wave Astronomy: Opening New Windows to the Universe

Speaker: Prof. Sanjit Mitra, IUCAA, Pune

Abstract: Einstein's general theory of relativity predicts Gravitational Waves (GWs). GWs are ripples in space-time generated by asymmetric motion of massive objects, like coalescing compact stars. They can carry information about different astronomical and cosmological events which are not accessible via conventional electromagnetic astronomy. While we have indirect evidence of the existence of GW, worldwide effort is on for their direct detection. Observation of GW will not only be a crucial test of General Relativity, but it promises a whole new set of windows to the universe. India has been playing a major role in this effort and, in the recent years, have started extending its participation to the experimental side also. In this talk the speaker will introduce GWs, their possible sources, the current and planned detectors, the science case for GW astronomy and finally the role of the proposed LIGO-India detector.