Today, the Science, Space, and Technology Committee held a hearing titled Unlocking the Secrets of the Universe: Gravitational Waves. This hearing was held to celebrate the successful detection of gravitational waves at the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatories (LIGO). This discovery was a century in the making, helping to confirm Albert Einstein’s theory of general relativity and opening a new window to the universe.
Testifying before the Committee, today, were Dr. Fleming Crim, Assistant Director, Directorate of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, National Science Foundation; Dr. David Reitze, Executive Director of LIGO, California Institute of Technology; Dr. Gabriela González, Professor of Physics and Astronomy, Louisiana State University; Dr. David Shoemaker, Director, LIGO Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Ranking Member Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) said, “The story of the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory – or LIGO – is a story about the talent, creativity, and perseverance of U.S. scientists and engineers. It is a story about the 65-year commitment of the National Science Foundation to high-risk, basic research. And it is a story about what we stand to lose as a nation if we fail to maintain faith in our scientists, and in the scientific process exemplified by the National Science Foundation that is the envy of nations around the world.”
With a shared sense of excitement, Members and witnesses discussed how this observation has opened our eyes to a new, previously undetected aspect of the universe, as well as the importance of the sustained support by the NSF for the fundamental research that made this detection possible. They also expressed enthusiasm that this discovery will serve as an impetus for students to pursue challenging careers in science, technology, engineering, and math.
Dr. Fleming Crim, Assistant Director, Directorate of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, National Science Foundation said in his testimony, “This science will advance education, inspiring students and developing the workforce our society requires. It has, and will continue, to lead to collaborations in engineering, computer science and other fields. This project has already led to other unpredictable advances, enabling technology spin-offs ranging from vibration isolation to mirror coatings to vacuum technology, that make the Nation more competitive. Significantly, industrial manufacturers were crucial partners in an effort driven by the goal of making an unprecedented measurement.”
Dr. David Shoemaker, Director, LIGO Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology said in his testimony, “LIGO is a wonderful example of what can be accomplished by a science funding agency with vision and commitment, with consistent funding to allow the best use of taxpayer’s money to be made, and with a dedicated science team working in collaboration and resonance with the overseeing agency.”
