Gravitational waves: Hong Kong scientist involved in breakthrough hopes it will propel his university to greater things
Professor Tjonnie Li of Chinese University was involved in analysing data and crunching numbers to determine whether scientists had detected a gravitational wave signal
A Chinese University scientist involved in the breakthrough detection of gravitational waves in the fabric of space and time has expressed the hope that the development will prompt his institution to invest more in physics so it becomes a key research base in Asia.
Stretching back 1.3 billion years, a collision of two black holes was observed, triggering waves rippling through space and time. They reached earth on September 14 last year, where the event was recorded by scientists in findings announced on Thursday.
READ MORE: Detection of gravitational waves predicted by Einstein would open new window on universe
The discovery of the final prediction in Albert Einstein’s 100 year-old general theory of relativity – on the existence of gravitational waves – is seen as unlocking new secrets of the universe.
For decades, scientists tried to detect such an event, which is too faint for most advanced scientific equipment to detect.
Professor Tjonnie Li, from Chinese University’s department of physics, was the only scientific expert from the city chosen to join the US-based Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (Ligo) programme back in 2009.
"It's fair to say this is the beginning of a new era in astronomy," Li said. "Every time we have taken a leap, for example we started using X-rays or infrared rays to look at the universe, we've seen incredible things and phenomena. This is even a step further and the start of an exciting journey into all of the unknowns astrophysics has to offer."