Einstein Was Right: The Science and History of Gravitational Waves

Albert Einstein predicted the existence of gravitational waves in 1915, and researchers with the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) confirmed his prediction a century later by detecting gravitational waves generated by the collision of two black holes. Einstein Was Right is an interdisciplinary account of this historic discovery, featuring essays by two Nobel Prize-winning physicists and contributions by leading scholars. The book explores the history and significance of gravitational wave astronomy, the theory of relativity, and the LIGO consortium, and reflects on the philosophical implications of Einstein's theory for the science.

Format: Hardback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 13 October 2020
Publisher: Princeton University Press

In 1915, Albert Einstein made a groundbreaking prediction that would revolutionize our understanding of the universe: the existence of gravitational waves. These ripples in spacetime, caused by the movement of massive objects, had been theorized by Einstein as part of his theory of general relativity. A century later, in 2016, researchers with the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) finally confirmed Einstein's prediction by detecting gravitational waves generated by the collision of two black holes.

Einstein Was Right: The Historic Discovery of Gravitational Waves is a comprehensive and interdisciplinary account of this momentous achievement. The book brings together essays by two of the physicists who played instrumental roles in the discovery, along with contributions from leading scholars who offer unparalleled insights into this scientific breakthrough.

The introduction to the book, written by Tilman Sauer, provides a historical overview of the development of general relativity and the discovery of gravitational waves. It highlights the contributions of Einstein and other physicists who laid the foundation for this work.

The book also features firsthand perspectives on the history and significance of the LIGO consortium by physicists Barry Barish and Kip Thorne. They discuss the challenges and rewards of working on such a complex project, as well as the impact that the discovery has had on the field of physics and astronomy.

Theoretical physicist Alessandra Buonanno discusses the new possibilities opened by gravitational wave astronomy. She explores the potential for studying the early universe, black holes, and other cosmic phenomena that were previously impossible to observe.

Sociologist of science Harry Collins and historians of science Diana Kormos Buchwald, Daniel Kennefick, and Jürgen Renn provide further insights into the history of relativity and LIGO. They discuss the cultural and societal implications of this discovery, as well as the philosophical and ethical questions that it raises.

The book closes with a reflection by philosopher Don Howard on the significance of Einstein's theory for the philosophy of science. He explores the implications of this discovery for our understanding of space, time, and the nature of reality.

Einstein Was Right: The Historic Discovery of Gravitational Waves is a compelling and thought-provoking account of one of the most thrilling scientific discoveries of the modern age. It sheds new light on the hundred-year history of this momentous achievement and provides a deeper understanding of the universe and our place within it. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in physics, astronomy, or the history of science.

Weight: 540g
Dimension: 163 x 243 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780691194547