Measuring Ripples in Space-Time

Einstein predicted gravity waves in his general theory of relativity,
but to date these ripples in the fabric of space-time have never been
observed. Now a scientific research technique called Atomic
Interferometry is trying to re-write the canon. In conjunction with
researchers at Stanford University, scientists at NASA Goddard are
developing a system to measure the faint gravitational vibrations
generated by movement of massive objects in the universe. The
scientific payoff could be important, helping better clarify key issues
in our understanding of cosmology. But application payoff could be
substantial, too, with the potential to develop profound advances in
fields like geolocation and timekeeping. In this video we examine how
the system would work, and the scientific underpinnings of the research
effort.