Current Science

Naresh Dadhich ¹, Bala Iyer ²

Affiliations
1 Inter-University Center for Astronomy and Astrophysics, Pune 411 007, IN
2 International Centre for Theoretical Sciences – TIFR, Bengaluru 560 089, IN

Abstract

C. V. Vishveshwara (Vishu) is associated to most of us with quasi-normal modes or the ringdown of a black hole. The prediction that his simple calculations made was dramatically verified after 46 years with the discovery of gravitational waves by LIGO, which was almost a year before he breathed his last on 16 January 2017 in Bengaluru. It was, therefore, most fortuitous that he could experience the exhilaration and satisfaction of his contribution when the whole world was cheering and applauding. Vishu will be remembered for a long time not only for his seminal contributions to understanding black holes, but also fondly for the word pictures and the Sydney Harris-like cartoons he created to share with his professional colleagues and the lay public the esoteric consequences of Einstein's general theory of relativity. His talks inspired generations of students to a career in science, and through the activities at the Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium, Bengaluru and the Bangalore Association for Science Education (BASE) the inspiration lives on.

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Tarun Souradeep ¹, Sendhil Raja ², Ziauddin Khan ³, C. S. Unnikrishnan ⁴, Bala Iyer ⁵

Affiliations
1 Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics, Post Bag 4, Ganeshkhind, Pune 411 007, IN
2 Raja Ramanna Centre for Advanced Technology, Indore 452 013, IN
3 Institute for Plasma Research, Bhat, Gandhinagar 382 428, IN
4 Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Homi Bhabha Road, Mumbai 400 005, IN
5 International Centre for Theoretical Sciences–TIFR, Hesaraghatta Hobli, Bengaluru 560 089, IN

Abstract

LIGO-India is an ambitious, large scale mega-science project that will establish a state-of-the-art advanced LIGO gravitational wave (GW) observatory on Indian soil in collaboration with the LIGO Laboratory in the USA. LIGO-India is expected to commence science operations in 2024 as a key element of a global array of gravitational wave observatories. Beyond the first direct detection of gravitational waves announced in February 2016 by LIGO Science Collaboration, LIGO-India brings forth a great opportunity for Indian scientists and technologists for leadership at the frontier, a new window of gravitational-wave astronomy to probe the universe.

Keywords

Astronomy and Astrophysics, Gravitational Waves, Layer Interferometer, Mega-Science Projects, Observatories and Detectors.

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Bala Iyer ¹

Affiliations
1 International Centre for Theoretical Sciences, Shivakote, Bengaluru 560 089, IN

Abstract

No Abstract.

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