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Scientists have presented a new way to detect permanent distortions in the fabric of space-time predicted to be caused by certain supernovae explosions. The proposed strategy could allow researchers to study these deformations or “scars” in space-time within the Milky Way galaxy using a network of existing gravitational wave detectors, including the U.S. National Science Foundation Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (NSF LIGO). Detecting the presence of space-time scars, a phenomenon called gravitation-wave memory, was previously thought to be beyond the capabilities of any existing research facility.

Gravitational-wave memory is the permanent warping of space-time that is theorized to occur when forces from exceptionally massive events like a dying star’s core-collapse supernova ripple outward and alter the relative positions of points in space. Studying the ways these massive explosions alter space-time could help scientists better understand the fundamental nature of gravity.