The European Gravitational Observatory (EGO) in Cascina, Italy, has reached an exciting milestone with the detection of its 200th gravitational wave signal. This achievement is a testament to the power of international collaboration in exploring the universe’s hidden quirks.
Virgo, EGO’s laser interferometer, does more than just register faint ripples in spacetime. By using ultra-stable lasers and precision mirror suspensions — including a unique superattenuator system to quiet ground vibrations — Virgo captures the subtle signatures of events like black hole or neutron star collisions. If you’ve ever wrestled with trying to detect something barely visible, you can appreciate the finesse involved.
The global team, which includes LIGO in the US and KAGRA in Japan, works together to pinpoint where these cosmic events occur. Even when Virgo’s signals aren’t the strongest, its input is key to refining the triangulation process, making sure researchers can follow up with detailed observations across the electromagnetic spectrum.
Recent upgrades — from improved mirror coatings to enhancements in the laser systems — have increased Virgo’s sensitivity, opening up new opportunities to detect more distant and subtle sources. This progress supports a broader move from studying individual events to analysing entire populations, ultimately deepening our understanding of cosmic entities.
Looking ahead, EGO and Virgo are fully engaged in finalising the current observational phase while gearing up for even greater sensitivity in future runs. With preparations already in motion for next-generation detectors like the Einstein Telescope, this observatory continues to play a vital role in education, outreach, and international scientific cooperation.
