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The first direct observation of gravitational waves was heralded by the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) in what was a huge step forward for science. Previously, gravitational waves had only been inferred indirectly, via their effect on pulsar timing in binary star systems, and the waveform matched Einstein’s prediction of general relativity. But American theoretical physicist Dr James Gates says there is another theory of the German genius that may soon be proven correct.
Speaking on Neil deGrasse Tyson’s StarTalk podcast, he said: “In 1905, Einstein wrote four articles, and among them there is one that emphasizes that energy must be quantized.
“We know Einstein doesn’t like quantum theory, but he is actually one of the founding fathers because of this photoelectric effect paper.
“Now that we have seen the gravity waves, we want to see the quantization of the energy carried by those waves.
“When we do, we will have the graviton in our universe.
“You want to be able to see the quantization of the energy that gravitational waves hold back that tells you that gravitons – at which point it’s no longer science fiction – are a piece of science.”
In theoretical physics, a graviton is the hypothetical quantum of gravity, an elementary particle that mediates the force of gravity.
Dr. Tyson has broken it down into a simpler explanation.
He added: “A photon is a particle of light, but you can also speak of light as waves, so this is an appropriate analogy.
“We have measured gravitational waves, now we want to measure its particles.”
READ MORE: Broken physics? The space bubble where “the fundamental law did not exist” stunned scientists
But Dr. White said detecting a graviton could destroy it.
He continued: “The detection of a graviton will require a real rethink of what gravity is.
“Some of us are already there, I don’t think about gravity in terms of geometry, it’s the theory of feeling.”
To confirm, Dr. Tyson asked, “What are you saying is that Einstein’s theory appears to be a convenience in certain situations that give you the right answer?
“You’re good with that, but isn’t that the whole story?”
Dr White confirmed that the claim was true, explaining that more work needs to be done to gain a better understanding of what gravity is.
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