S5R3 results analysis - due about when?
10 Nov 2008 13:16:59 UTC
Topic 194021
(moderation:
Just asking if there is an estimate on when the report on S5R3 is out.
I recall some saying that if S5R3 didn't find evidence of gravitional waves, then there was something very wrong (either with the algorithm or *gasp* Einstein's theory)...
S5R3 results analysis - due about when?
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I can't comment on your first question (when the results are ready for release to the public), but it's definitely not like a non-detection would come as a surprise or would even call into question the analysis method or the underlying theory. As I understand it, it's only after the "Advanced LIGO" detector upgrade and the launch of the LISA space-based observatory that detections are expected at a rate of several per year.
But the S5 data is good enough so that even a non-detection will increase our knowledge because the resulting "upper limits" on gravitational radiation are good enough to exclude some scenarios, see for example some results discussed in this forum:
Crab pulsar findings
All sky search in early S5 data
So neither a S5 detection nor non-detection would come as a "miracle-grade" total surprise :-)
CU
Bikeman
RE: But the S5 data is good
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OK, so each of the runs do increase our knowledge of gravitational waves. That's nice to know, and will make me keep crunching (albeit I prioritize Rosetta@Home higher) :-)
We truly live in exciting times. Being close to verifying Einstein's near-100 yr old claims, checking for the Higgs boson this summer and refining M-theory.
And, who knows - it may come up with results we never expected ;-)
Even if LHC should be ready
)
Even if LHC should be ready to go online again this summer, it might take years to collect and analyze enough data to confidently claim that the Higgs boson was found.
For a discussion about the hologram thing :-), see also the GEO 600 thread in this section.
CU
Bikeman