A lunar approach for detection of Gravitational waves

The detection of gravitational waves and its better understanding is vital for the advancement of

space science. The current gold standard is the LIGO which is capable of detecting variation in length

by 1/10000th the diameter of a proton. Sensitivity of particular band of frequency of gravitational waves

detected by LIGO is dependent on the arm length which is currently at 4 km. It is a matter of fact

that the typical LIGO type of detectors can detect higher frequency Gravitational waves associated with

events such as collision of two black holes.

It is not feasible to attain more accuracy on Earth due to the high noise factor caused by Earth’s

geological activity, While moon is almost geologically inactive, it is one of the best places to detect gravitational waves. It does not have any atmosphere, therefore making the detection’s far more accurate

than it could be done on earth.

We have theorized a method to detect gravitational waves by using an array of parabolic mirrors

spread across the surface of the moon. With the help of a satellite orbiting the moon and mirrors placed

on the moon surface, we will be able to detect the change in shape of the moon when it is subjected to

gravitational waves. The idea is based on the fact that the moon itself gets squeezed due to space-time

fabric being altered during transmission of gravitational waves. We will be measuring the phase difference

of the laser pulses from different mirrors and eventually understanding how the moon’s diameter has

changed during transmission of Gravitational waves. In this whole experiment, the satellite will remain

as a receiver and transmitter of the laser pulse.

As the distance between mirrors on the surface of the Moon will be far more greater than that of

LIGO, we would be able to detect much lower frequency gravitational waves associated with unknown or

less obvious celestial events.