Speaker
Prof.
Karsten Danzmann
Description
More than 90 years ago, Einstein predicted the existence of Gravitational Waves as a consequence of his
theory of General Relativity. They are minute distortions of space and time, created by rapidly accelerating
large masses, and propagating at the speed of light. Several kilometer-size laser-interferometric gravitational
wave detectors are currently operating on the earth. They will soon be joined by space detectors with
armlengths of millions of kilometers, looking at the signals from massive black holes in the whole universe.
The European Space Agency has recently called for the submission of science themes for the L2 and L3 large
mission launch opportunities. This talk will describe the science theme „The Gravitational Universe“ and
eLISA as strawman mission concept for its realization.
