Science Saturday at LIGO: A Great Way to Learn Science

Scheduled for the third Saturday of every month, Science Saturday at LIGO (Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory) is an event that should not be missed. 

As self-proclaimed nerds who thrive on adventure, my spouse and I always look for unique experiences that satisfy our curiosity and excitement for learning. That’s why, in the summer of 2016, we were drawn to LIGO, a fascinating research facility dedicated to detecting and understanding gravitational waves. LIGO uses advanced laser interferometry to measure space-time ripples caused by cosmic events like neutron star mergers or black holes, a concept so complex that it challenges my grasp of physics!

Our visit gave us a firsthand look at LIGO Livingston’s hands-on Science Saturday. The event, free to the public, includes tours of the control room and interactive areas where physics comes to life. Each month features a new theme, and during our visit, “Swing into Science” was in full swing. We engaged in experiments like the pendulum demonstration, where I wore glasses with one dark and one clear lens, seeing the pendulum swing in a full circle—a stark contrast to my partner’s observation of a simple back-and-forth motion. It was a practical lesson in perspective and perception!

So, whether you’re a family looking for an educational outing, or a couple of nerds eager to explore the mysteries of the universe, LIGO’s Science Saturday is highly recommended. It’s an enriching experience that combines fun, learning, and adventure—all for free!

LIGO’s Remarkable Contributions and Milestones Since Our Visit

Since our memorable visit to LIGO, the facility has continued to make groundbreaking strides in astrophysics. Notably, on August 14, 2017, LIGO and its European counterpart, Virgo, observed gravitational waves from a binary black hole merger, further expanding our understanding of these cosmic phenomena. Just days later, on August 17, 2017, they made a historic first detection of gravitational waves produced by colliding neutron stars. This event significantly contributed to the field of multi-messenger astronomy. This series of discoveries culminated with the end of LIGO’s second observing run on August 25, 2017. Shortly thereafter, the Nobel Prize in Physics 2017 was awarded to LIGO co-founders Rainer Weiss, Barry Barish, and Kip Thorne for their decisive contributions to the LIGO detector and the observation of gravitational waves.

The third observing run began on April 1, 2019, during which LIGO and Virgo detected several neutron star smash-ups, enhancing our knowledge of these dense, collapsing stars. Despite a brief commissioning break in October 2019, the run resumed and made further detections, including another neutron star collision in January 2020. However, the observing run was suspended in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During this period, LIGO and Virgo made an intriguing discovery of a mystery object in the “mass gap,” challenging existing classifications of stellar remnants. As of May 24, 2023, the fourth observing run has begun, promising more exciting discoveries and continuing to position LIGO at the forefront of gravitational wave astronomy.

Should you go? YES!

Every first Saturday of the month, from 10 AM to 4 PM, the LIGO Science Education Center invites visitors to join their Science Saturdays, which are free of charge. Guests can arrive anytime within these hours. For those interested in a guided tour, arrive before 2:30 PM, as tours are contingent on weather conditions. The center features around 50 interactive science exhibits and is open to individuals and small groups. The hands-on educational exhibits, both temporary and permanent, not only interactively teach about physics but also ensure that families and science enthusiasts of all ages leave with a deeper appreciation for science.

We have introduced our little one to citizen science and space, but we haven’t brought her to LIGO yet. We will have to remedy that soon.

We will plan on visiting LIGO again soon. Have you ever been? If so, what was your experience?