---
title: "Gravitational Waves: Definition & Detection | Model Diplomat"
description: "Gravitational waves are spacetime ripples from massive bodies, first detected by LIGO in 2015, crucial for understanding Einstein's general relativity."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/gravitational-waves"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- Gravitational waves are ripples in the fabric of spacetime produced by accelerating massive bodies, predicted by Einstein's general relativity and detected directly in 2015.
- How do gravitational waves differ from electromagnetic waves?
- What is the significance of the LIGO-India project?
- Why was GW170817 considered a turning point?
- What did the 2023 pulsar timing array results show?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

Gravitational waves are ripples in the fabric of spacetime produced by accelerating massive bodies, predicted by Einstein's general relativity and detected directly in 2015.

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## Timeline

1. 14 September 2015

   The first direct detection, designated GW150914, occurred on and was announced on 11 February 2016.

2. 11 February 2016

   The first direct detection, designated GW150914, occurred on 14 September 2015 and was announced on .

3. 17 August 2017

   On the event GW170817—a binary neutron-star merger—was observed simultaneously in gravitational waves and across the electromagnetic spectrum, inaugurating…

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On 11 February 2016 the LIGO Scientific Collaboration announced GW150914, the first direct detection of gravitational waves, from two merging black holes; the same month India's Union Cabinet approved the LIGO-India project.

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