Learning Path

Step 1: Watch Introductory Video (1)

7 Minutes

• How are gravitational waves created?
• How are gravitational waves measured?

Footnote: Construction of the KAGRA detector in Japan has been completed since the production of this video.

Step 2: Watch Introductory Video (2)

6 Minutes

• How can a gravitational-wave signal be used to measure the mass and distance of its source?

Step 3: Waveform Fitter

5 Minutes

1. Use the sliders to adjust the model waveform
2. What happens when you increase the total mass?
3. What happens when you increase the distance?
4. Find a model that fits the data from GW150914
5. Compare your answer with published parameters. Note: You can add (Mass 1 + Mass 2) to find the Total Mass

Step 4: Sources and Signals

50 Minutes

1. Learn about wave sources and signals from music to gravitational waves
2. Calculate the size of a black hole using its gravitational wave frequency

Step 5: Signal Processing Tutorial

30 Minutes

• The Signal Processing Tutorial introduces using filters to find signals.
• Find a secret sound hidden in noisy data.

Step 6: GW Data Quickview App

15 Minutes

1. Try plotting data from different events and glitches
2. Which events are easy to see, and which are harder?

Step 7: Classroom Activities

Open Ended

1. Teachers: See More To Explore for a list of classroom activities and resources.