How Do Scientists Use Sound to Reveal the Secrets of the Universe?

One of the most intriguing applications of sound in science is found in the field of astrophysics, where researchers use gravitational waves to detect cosmic events. Gravitational waves are ripples in spacetime generated by massive objects, such as merging black holes or neutron stars, and they travel across the universe at the speed of light. When these waves pass through Earth, they can cause minute changes in distance, which are so small they can only be measured with highly sensitive instruments like LIGO (Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory). By analyzing the sound waves produced by these events, scientists can gain insights into the properties of black holes, the nature of gravity, and even the origins of the universe itself, thereby opening a new window into understanding the cosmos.