Why do astronomers require measurements from at least three gravitational wave detectors to identify the source of a gravitational radiation signal?
A) Gravitational waves have a wavelength of about a thousand kilometers, requiring detections across large distances.
B) Gravitational waves are so weak that several detectors are required to confirm a signal.
C) Three detections are required to separate real gravitational waves from locally generated noise.
D) The time delay between the different detectors allows astronomers to identify the direction of the source.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The time delay between detections at different locations on Earth allows astronomers to triangulate the position of the gravitational wave source, much like how GPS works to determine location by calculating distances from multiple satellites. This is essential for identifying the direction from which the gravitational waves are coming.

Why Do Astronomers Require Measurements from at Least Three Gravitational