What evidence supports the predicted existence of gravitational waves?
A)The orbit of a star system consisting of two neutron stars is slowly decaying,suggesting that energy is being carried away by gravitational waves.
B)The energy generated by gravitational waves from the Sun can be seen as it is absorbed by Jupiter.
C)Gravitational waves are frequently and easily detected by large telescopes.
D)Photographs of spacetime show the gravitational waves as ripples that are clearly visible.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The observed decay of neutron star orbits can only be explained by the existence of gravitational waves, which carry away energy from the system.

Answer: B
 Although gravitational waves are expected to be too weak to detect directly from most sources, their effects on the motion of massive bodies (such as Jupiter) can be observed and measured indirectly.

Answer: D
 While there have been indirect observations of gravitational waves, such as the decaying orbit of neutron stars, no direct photographs of spacetime ripples have been produced as of yet.

What Evidence Supports the Predicted Existence of Gravitational Waves