2000/03/16 by B. F. Schutz, Bernard F Schutz · 1 citation
Engineering · Physics and Astronomy · #Experimental and Theoretical Physics Studies #Geophysics and Sensor Technology #Pulsars and Gravitational Waves Research #gr-qc
paper · pdf · doi:10.1888/0333750888/2110
Encyclopedia article, 2 figures, 14 pages. Accepted by Encycopedia of Astronomy and Astrophysics
arxiv created 2000/03/16 · openalex publication_date 2004/07/30 · arxiv updated 2009/11/30 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28
Gravity is one of the fundamental forces of Nature, and it is the dominant force in most astronomical systems. In common with all other phenomena, gravity must obey the principles of special relativity. In particular, gravitational forces must not be transmitted or communicated faster than light. This means that when the gravitational field of an object changes, the changes ripple outwards through space and take a finite time to reach other objects. These ripples are called gravitational radiation or gravitational waves. This article gives a brief introduction to the physics of gravitational radiation, including technical material suitable for non-specialist scientists.