This inaccuracy, however, is nothing, given the researcher’s real intention: to test Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity, which links gravity to the dynamics of space and time. The result of his work was published in the arXiv.org scientific article repository. Gravitational waves are ripples in space-time that form when massive objects, such as black holes or massive stars, form.
Variable, not constant
When studying them, Haster (who collaborates with the Observatory of Gravitational Waves with Laser Interferometer – LIGO, acronym in English), noticed that Pi appeared in terms of an equation that describes its propagation. Although Pi is a constant, the astrophysicist used the number as a variable (as in the equations, which we need to find the value of x or y in) and tried to determine its value from the observations of gravitational waves. Haster used data from 22 gravitational waves observed by LIGO, and showed that Pi has a probable value of 3,115. “Einstein’s theory does not yet seem to need adjustments. For me, the study produced a valid and quite strong test of general relativity, “says Haster. Understanding why the value of Pi appears in equations to deduce the path of gravitational waves is a little more complicated, mainly because the waves interact with each other. Haster’s colleague, Johns Hopkins University theoretical physicist Emanuele Berti explains: “When you throw a stone in a lake, it will cause ripples in the water. When throwing another, the surface of the lake will no longer be smooth, since the waves caused by the first stone will still be spreading, interfering with the new waves. Gravitational waves work the same way. When they travel, they pass through the curvature of space-time generated by the gravitational waves produced in the past. ”
Neutron stars will be next
It is not the first time that Pi and Einstein’s work are among the studies done by LIGO researchers. In 2016, research tested general relativity using Pi in another approach. And, as before, the question raised is the same: the relative uncertainty of the values found (in the Haster case, ranging from 3.027 to 3.163). To refine this result to try to reach the accepted mathematical value, it will be necessary to observe lighter objects. Neutron stars should be chosen, as the gravitational waves that emanate from them can last 300 times longer than those generated by massive black holes.
Pi in space from the beginning
For some mathematicians, increasing the known sequence is a hobby, but for astrophysics, Pi is more than fun. According to NASA, the sequence is used, among other things, to:
- Determine the parachute size of probes sent to Mars 2. Making the Cassini spacecraft get better angles from Saturn and its Titan moon 3. Map known and unexplored planets 4. Discover potentially habitable worlds orbiting known stars 5. Putting spaceships into orbit 6 Track the movements of asteroids 7. Develop the mathematical equations needed to drive and communicate with space probes, vehicles and telescopes 8. Calculate the width of the laser beam that will reach alien ice to be analyzed 9. Study craters 10. Reveal what asteroids are made of
