Gravitational Waves & Black Holes

Most recent answer: 02/12/2016

Q:
Gravitational waves & black holes. How does the discovery of gravitational waves force the conclusion that black holes exist? My impression of recent events leads me to believe that this is the 'consensus'. It does not seem logical to me, on it's face, without further discovery.
- Tom Williams (age 53)
Canada, Ontario, Toronto
A:

Hello Tom,

Gravitational waves don't force the conclusion that black holes exist but they corroborate the theory of general relativity that allows both.   There could exist some weird theory that could exclude one or the other.

LeeH

Also, the particular detailed shape of the gravitational wave "chirp" fit beautifully with predictions based on black holes. /Mike W.


(published on 02/12/2016)