Black hole mergers modelled in 3D

BBC NEWS: " Simulations on a supercomputer have allowed Nasa scientists to understand finally the pattern of gravitational waves produced by merging black holes. The work should help the worldwide effort that is currently underway to make the first detection of these 'ripples' in the fabric of space-time. Ultra-sensitive equipment set up in the US and Europe is expected to achieve the breakthrough observation very soon. The new research will make it easier to recognise the correct signals. 'With these calculations, we are now able to know what will be the distinctive gravitational wave signature that comes out from just outside merging black holes,' commented Professor Peter Saulson, who is part of the Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory (Ligo) Scientific Collaboration."