引力波是什么？

引力波是一种由引力场产生的波动，它是爱因斯坦广义相对论的重要预言之一。当两个巨大的物体（如星体、黑洞或中子星）的质量和能量分布发生变化时，它们会产生引力波。这种波动会以类似于水波的形式向外传播。当引力波到达地球时，它们会引起空间的微小变化，这种变化可以通过先进的探测器进行测量。引力波的探测对于理解宇宙中大质量天体的运动、探索黑洞、研究宇宙早期等方面具有重要意义。引力波的发现也证实了爱因斯坦的广义相对论理论，展示了物质和能量交互作用的特殊方式。

What are gravitational waves?

Gravitational waves are waves generated by the gravitational field, and they are one of the important predictions of Einstein's general theory of relativity. When the mass and energy distribution of two massive objects (such as celestial bodies, black holes, or neutron stars) change, they generate gravitational waves. These waves propagate outward in a similar way to water waves. When gravitational waves reach Earth, they cause tiny changes in space, which can be measured by advanced detectors. The detection of gravitational waves is of great significance for understanding the motion of massive celestial bodies in the universe, exploring black holes, and studying the early universe. The discovery of gravitational waves also confirms Einstein's theory of general relativity, demonstrating a unique way in which matter and energy interact.