NYSAPPS 2016
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this NYSSAPS abstract cover?
It is the abstract for "Testing general relativity with LIGO" by Saul Teukolsky of Cornell University, addressing tests of general relativity in the strong-field regime through gravitational-wave detections.
Who wrote this abstract?
The abstract is credited to Saul Teukolsky of Cornell University, as shown on the page.
Why does testing general relativity matter?
As the abstract notes, general relativity is a highly successful theory of gravity with no known experimental discrepancies, yet it is fundamentally incomplete because it leaves out quantum effects.
What role does LIGO play in these tests?
The abstract states that detecting gravitational waves from colliding black holes has opened new avenues for testing general relativity in the strong-field regime, and that LIGO can already conduct meaningful tests.
Which future tests are mentioned?
The abstract considers the future of such tests using both ground-based and space-based detectors.
How do I reach NYSSAPS about the program or this abstract?
Program contacts listed on this page include Dr. Heather Watson, Dr. Nelia Mann, Dr. Samuel Amanuel, and Ms. Lynnette Stec, along with the Department of Physics & Astronomy, Union College, Schenectady, NY 12308.

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"Testing general relativity with LIGO"

Saul Teukolsky

Cornell University

General relativity is a very successful theory of gravity.

About This Abstract

This page presents the NYSSAPS meeting abstract "Testing general relativity with LIGO" by Saul Teukolsky of Cornell University. The summary below outlines the motivation, method, and outlook of the work as described in the abstract.

So far no discrepancies with experiment are known. Yet at a fundamental level the theory is incomplete, since it does not include quantum effects. Modern attempts to make a quantum description of gravity predict small deviations from the predictions of general relativity. The detection of gravitational waves from colliding black holes has opened up new possibilities for finally testing general relativity in the strong-field regime. I will describe how LIGO is already able to perform interesting tests. I will also discuss the future of such tests, both with ground-based and space-based detectors.

For program, contact:  
Dr. Heather Watson – [email protected]
Dr. Nelia Mann – [email protected]
Dr. Samuel Amanuel – [email protected]		 Ms. Lynnette Stec – [email protected]
Phone: 518-388-6254
Fax: 518-388-6947
Department of Physics & Astronomy, Union College, Schenectady, NY 12308