Japanese scientists on Friday began testing its highly-sensitive underground telescope to detect gravitational waves, more than a month after astronomers announced the discovery of these ripples in space-time.
The test run of the KAGRA telescope will help astronomers in Japan gain understanding of the universe, especially about colliding black holes and supernova explosions. The test run is expected to last until March 31.
After the March test run, Japan will again check the telescope's performance in April. Afterwards, Japanese scientists plan to make modifications to boost the telescope's sensitivity and finally begin full-fledged operations in 2017.
Complementing Research In The West
The country's efforts to detect gravitational waves is led by University of Tokyo professor Takaaki Kajita, a recipient of last year's Nobel Prize in Physics alongside Arthur B. McDonald.
"We want to join the international network of gravitational wave observation as soon as possible," said Kajita.
University of Tokyo Assistant Professor Osamu Miyakawa, who is also involved with the project, hopes that KAGRA will be upgraded into an observation apparatus which ranks with the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO) detectors in the United States.
KAGRA is installed within an L-shaped tunnel with each arm extending 1.8 miles, located more than 656 feet underground at the Kamioka mine site to minimize seismic noise. The mine site is also known as a major hub of neutrino research.
The KAGRA facility makes use of laser beams that move back and forth inside vacuum pipes, which contain mirrors placed at each end to detect very small waves.
KAGRA is more suited to detect certain types of gravitational waves, so Japanese scientists hope it will help discover a new astronomical phenomenon.
Ripples In The Fabric Of Space-Time
From awakening the hope for time travel to the possible generation of advanced technologies, the discovery of gravitational waves in September 2015 had proved that Albert Einstein was right.
Members of the team that detected the gravitational waves believe it can allow for the development of spin-off technologies. Although scientists did not say the exact kind of tech, many had referenced to Einstein's theory of relativity - what was once abstract is now used in GPS measurements.
Additionally, gravitational wave astronomy is a new tool for studying the cosmos, experts said.
"The window to this new world of gravitational waves has just been cracked open," said David Shoemaker, project leader of advanced LIGO.
