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Indirect Detection of Waves Observed changes in orbit of a binary system consisting of two neutron stars agree precisely with predictions of general relativity. Orbital energy is being carried away by gravitational waves. What have we learned? How do we test the predictions of the general theory of relativity? Precession of Mercury Gravitational lensing Gravitational time dilation What are gravitational waves? Movements of massive objects produce wavelike disturbances in spacetime called gravitational waves. S3.5 Hyperspace, Wormholes, and Warp Drive Our goals for learning: Where does science end and science fiction begin? Where does science end and science fiction begin? Shortcuts through Space If we could somehow build a tunnel through the center of Earth, the trip from Indonesia to Brazil would be much shorter. Could there be analogous tunnels through spacetime? Shortcuts through Spacetime Some mathematical solutions of the equations of general relativity allow for shortcuts called wormholes that are tunnels through hyperspace. Are Wormholes Really Possible? Wormholes are not explicitly prohibited by known laws of physics, but there is no known way to make one. If wormholes exist, then they can be used for time travel. Time travel leads to contradictions that most scientists (including your professor) believe should rule out the possibility of wormholes. What have we learned? Where does science end and science fiction begin? No known laws of physics prohibit the shortcuts through spacetime known as wormholes. However, wormholes would enable time travel, leading to contractions that most believe rule out the possibility of their existence. * Geometry of the Universe The universe may be flat, spherical, or saddle-shaped depending on how much matter (and energy) it contains. Flat and saddle-shaped universes are infinite in extent. Spherical universe is finite in extent. No center and no edge to the universe are necessary in any of these cases. “Straight” Lines in