How can we detect massive objects in space when we can't see them by light?

On 14 September 2015, scientists opened a new window to observing the Universe when, for the first time, they directly detected gravitational waves, rippled out through spacetime from the merger of two black holes. 

In this episode, astronomer Tessa Baker explores how Einstein’s theory of gravity predicted the existence of gravitational waves, how delicate experiments eventually confirmed their existence, and how we cantranslate this experimental data into sounds, allowing us to hear the Universe.

This talk was recorded from our theatre at the Royal Institution on 19 May 2023.

• Watch the talk on YouTube: youtu.be/U_J_uJcjQ0I
• Follow Tessa Baker on Twitter: @Tessa_M_Baker

Ri Science Podcast episodes are released on the last Wednesday of every month, and our new ‘From the Theatre’ episodes are released on the second Wednesday of the month. Subscribe to be notified as soon as the next episode is released! 

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Produced by: Sarah Dick

Music by: Joseph Sandy

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