What are gravitational waves?

Gravitational waves are distortions in spacetime, predicted by Albert Einstein, caused by the acceleration of massive objects. They travel at the speed of light and carry information about their sources.

How does LIGO detect gravitational waves?

LIGO uses a large interferometer. A laser beam is split and sent down two perpendicular arms. Changes in the length of these arms, caused by a passing gravitational wave, alter the interference pattern of the returning light, which is then detected.

When were gravitational waves first detected?

The first direct detection of gravitational waves, known as GW150914, occurred on September 14, 2015, from the merger of two black holes approximately a billion light-years away.

What is the significance of the first gravitational wave detection?

The detection confirmed Einstein's prediction from 100 years prior and marked the beginning of gravitational wave astronomy, opening a new window to observe the universe.

How does Blackfoot culture relate to astronomy?

Traditional Blackfoot culture has a deep connection to the sky, evident in teepee designs and stories. Ancient structures like medicine wheels were used to track celestial bodies, highlighting a historical link between the people and astronomy.

What is the role of Corey Gray's mother in LIGO's work?

Corey Gray's mother, Sharon Yellowfly, a fluent Blackfoot speaker, translated LIGO's press releases and scientific summaries into the Blackfoot language, bridging scientific discovery with Indigenous heritage.

What was the GW170817 event?

This was the first detection of gravitational waves from the merger of two neutron stars, observed on August 17, 2017. It was significant because it was also observed across multiple electromagnetic wavelengths, launching multi-messenger astronomy.

Have LIGO scientists received major awards?

Yes, in 2017, the founders of LIGO, Ray Weiss, Kip Thorne, and Barry Barish, were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics for their foundational work. All members of the collaboration also received a Breakthrough Prize.

Are there efforts to include Indigenous languages in science?

Yes, efforts like translating scientific abstracts into Indigenous languages are happening. The Society of Indigenous Physicists aims to inspire and support Indigenous youth in STEM, fostering such connections.

What does 'Bisat Sin Siman' mean, and why is it significant?

'Bisat Sin Siman' is the Blackfoot term for General Relativity, meaning 'beautiful plantings'. It reflects the idea that Einstein's theory has sprouted many new branches of physics over time.

How are LIGO mirrors suspended?

LIGO mirrors are suspended as part of a four-stage pendulum system. This complex engineering allows the mirrors to float and minimize external vibrations, enabling the detection of incredibly small length changes.

Key Moments

Blackfoot poetry: from Einstein to spacetime – Public lecture by Dr. Corey Gray

Fermilab

Science & Technology4 min read77 min video

Aug 30, 2021|14,023 views|376|67

Fermilab Physics

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Key Moments

TL;DR

Blackfoot physicist Dr. Corey Gray shares his journey with LIGO, merging Indigenous culture with spacetime physics.

Key Insights

Dr. Corey Gray, a member of the Siksika Nation, bridges Indigenous heritage with his work as a lead operator at the LIGO Hanford Observatory.

The first direct detection of gravitational waves in 2015, a century after Einstein's prediction, marked the dawn of gravitational wave astronomy.

Gray highlights the deep historical connection between Blackfoot culture and the sky, evidenced by celestial observations and structures like medicine wheels.

The LIGO detector uses interferometry to measure incredibly small changes in spacetime, detecting ripples from cosmic events like black hole mergers.

Gray's mother, a residential school survivor, played a crucial role in translating scientific announcements into the Blackfoot language, creating new terminology.

The talk emphasizes the importance of representation in STEM, inspiring Indigenous youth and fostering a sense of connection between ancient knowledge and modern science.

BRIDGING CULTURES AND CAREERS

Dr. Corey Gray, who identifies as both Siksika (Northern Blackfoot) and Scottish, opens the lecture by introducing himself and his unique position within the LIGO Scientific Collaboration. He is a lead operator at the LIGO Hanford Observatory, a facility dedicated to detecting gravitational waves. Gray expresses his gratitude for the invitation to speak at Fermilab and sets a personal tone for his presentation, aiming to weave his own story into the scientific narrative. He emphasizes that every member of the LIGO collaboration has a unique journey that led them to this groundbreaking work, and he will share his personal experience.

INDIGENOUS HERITAGE AND COSMIC CONNECTIONS

Gray delves into his Blackfoot heritage, explaining the traditional territories of the four bands of the Blackfoot Confederacy. He shares family photographs and discusses the profound connection his people have historically had with the sky. Celestial observations were integral to Blackfoot culture, influencing teepee designs and inspiring stories. He highlights ancient structures like medicine wheels, which served as astronomical calendars, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of the cosmos used for practical purposes like tracking buffalo and identifying medicinal plants. This deep-rooted astronomical awareness within Indigenous culture serves as a unique parallel to modern astrophysical pursuits.

THE MECHANICS OF GRAVITATIONAL WAVE DETECTION

The lecture shifts to the technical aspects of LIGO's work. Gray explains that LIGO, the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory, uses two observatories (in Washington state and Louisiana) and collaborates with international partners like Virgo (Italy) and Kagra (Japan). He describes the detector's core function: an interferometer that uses lasers to measure minute changes in the length of its four-kilometer arms. These incredibly small length variations, on the order of a thousandth the diameter of a proton, are caused by gravitational waves – ripples in spacetime predicted by Albert Einstein. The detector's sensitivity allows it to capture these faint signals from violent cosmic events.

THE MONUMENTAL FIRST DETECTION AND ITS AFTERMATH

Gray recounts the historic moment of the first direct detection of gravitational waves on September 14, 2015. This event, originating from the merger of two black holes over a billion years ago and light-years away, confirmed Einstein's general relativity predictions from a century prior. He describes the significance of this discovery, marking the birth of gravitational wave astronomy. The detection was a closely guarded secret until its public announcement on February 11, 2016. The aftermath saw immense excitement, international recognition, and a profound personal impact on Gray and his colleagues, validating years of dedicated work and making them part of scientific history.

LANGUAGE, TRANSLATION, AND CULTURAL PRESERVATION

A significant part of Gray's story involves his mother's contribution to bridging the gap between Blackfoot language and astrophysics. His mother, a survivor of Canada's residential school system, dedicated herself to creating Blackfoot translations for LIGO's scientific announcements and summaries. This process involved coining new terms for complex scientific concepts, effectively becoming a 'code talker for astrophysics.' Gray emphasizes the importance of this work not only for scientific outreach but also for cultural preservation and revitalization, demonstrating how ancestral languages can engage with and interpret modern scientific discoveries, a process he likens to 'Blackfoot poetry.'

INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATION AND FOSTERING COMMUNITY

Gray passionately advocates for increasing the representation of Indigenous peoples in STEM fields. He shares his personal journey of overcoming shyness to engage in science communication and outreach, particularly with Indigenous youth, as he lacked such role models growing up. He highlights initiatives like the Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) and the nascent Society of Indigenous Physicists, aimed at supporting and inspiring future generations. By connecting ancient Indigenous knowledge with cutting-edge science, Gray aims to show that these worlds are not separate but can be beautifully integrated.

Mentioned in This Episode

●Software & Apps

●Tools

●Companies

●Organizations

●Books

●Studies Cited

●Concepts

●People Referenced

Common Questions

LIGO, the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory, consists of two observatories in Washington and Louisiana that detect gravitational waves, which are ripples in spacetime caused by cosmic events like colliding black holes.

Topics

Black Hole Merger Neutron Star Merger Albert Einstein Blackfoot Culture Indigenous Science Interferometry

Mentioned in this video

Organizations

SAKNESS

Society for the Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science.

Siksika Nation

One of the four bands of the Blackfoot Confederacy, a plains tribe traditionally reliant on buffalo.

LISA

A planned space-based gravitational wave detector.

Humboldt State University

University where Corey Gray studied physics and applied mathematics.

Virgo

A ground-based gravitational wave detector located in Italy.

Kagra

A ground-based gravitational wave detector located in Japan.

Society of Indigenous Physicists

An organization formed to inspire the next generation of indigenous youth in science.

A graduate student at the University of Glasgow and a member of the LIGO Scientific Collaboration, who helped restore an old photo.

Corey Gray

Speaker and operator at LIGO, member of the Siksika Nation, who discusses his background, work at LIGO, and the connection between Blackfoot culture and physics.

Sharon Yellowfly

Corey Gray's mother, who translated LIGO press releases and scientific documents into Blackfoot.

Rob Cardinal

A Blackfoot astronomer encountered by Corey Gray.

John Harrington

The first Native American astronaut.

Ice Cube

A neutrino detector that also looks for cosmic microwave background radiation.

Software & Apps

MacGyver

A TV show that inspired Corey Gray's interest in physics.

Reservation Dogs