Sounds of Space

By Virginia Prescott on Wednesday, July 8, 2009.

We’re turning up the volume on outer space.

Gravitational waves from exploding stars and black holes fill the universe with sounds we can’t hear. For the first time, scientists are learning how to tune in - and they’re hoping to uncover mysteries about the origins of the universe.

For more on this, we were joined by Janna Levin. She’s a professor of physics and astronomy at Barnard College of Columbia University. She joined us from Oxford College in England, where she’s on retreat this summer.

Amaldi8.org: Songs from Space: Black Holes and the Big Bang in Audio

Check out NASA's Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA)

Check out Caltech and MIT's Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO)

(Photo by Phil Plait via Flickr/Creative Commons)

Add new comment

Is Obesity A National Security Threat?

About us

Word of Mouth is all about what's new. Online and on-air, the show looks at our fascinating and ever-changing world, and puts the latest ideas under a microscope. Word of Mouth investigates everything from science and technology, to health and the environment, to new trends in popular culture. The show airs Monday through Thursday at noon and is hosted by Virginia Prescott.