The merging of two black holes is giving astrophysicists a better understanding of mysterious gravitational waves, a theory first conceived by famous physicist Albert Einstein.

Researchers from the University of Cambridge have discovered new solutions in equations regarding the interaction of two black holes in a binary system as they near collision. When two orbiting but rotating black holes collide, they merge into a powerful, massive single body.

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This cosmic event triggers the most powerful energy burst in the universe through the release of gravitational waves.

Scientists believe gravitational waves act like ripples on a pond. These waves, however, are involved in spacetime itself. Physicists have been trying to detect these waves with ultra sensitive instruments but are still trying to identify their origins.

When black holes orbit one another, they suck all the energy from the star system as they move closer together over time. According to Michael Kesden from the University of Texas, this accelerating charge is similar to an electron generating electromagnetic radiation along with visible light waves. When there's an occurrence of an accelerating mass, gravitational waves are the result.

Researchers believe gravitational waves are possible to detect when black holes collide since they release a vast amount of energy across space through these waves.

Astronomers usually study and detect objects using a wide range of frequencies found in the electromagnetic spectrum, such as visible and infrared light and radio and microwaves. Astronomers are now eager to learn how to detect these gravitational waves as this phenomenon can open a new world of astronomy with objects being observed using these waves.

As an observational tool, gravitational waves can be the key to learning the characteristics of black holes that have emitted those waves from billions of years back, according to Davide Gerosa of Cambridge University.

With these waves, scientists can acquire information about the masses of black holes and mass ratios and how they were formed. Ultimately, learning more about the origins of black holes is the key to learning the evolution and nature of the universe.

During this study, the team devised equations explaining how the black holes rotate and what changes in rotation they undergo. This is the first time these bodies have been observed undergoing three distinct phases. Understanding these movement changes over time can help uncover the evolution of black holes.

According to Kesden, these equations can help develop computer simulations to study black hole evolution through billions of years. Before, a simulation took years but with these new solutions, it can now be done in seconds.

This study was published in the journal, Physical Review Letters.

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