Hanford Observatory

March, 2005

Two Pasco High School Geometry classes, taught by Mary Beltran, explored some of LIGO's geometry during a March 2 field trip to the Observatory. The MESA-affiliated group enjoyed warmer and clearer weather than their science counterparts who visited in January's fog. After completing two interactive activities the students heard from LHO Head Dr. Fred Raab about LIGO's quest to measure ripples in the geometry of space. A walk of the site then brought the group to the control room, where operator Justin Garifoli described how the control room staff uses a complex network of computers to run the two large interferometers.

Geometry is at the heart of much of LIGO's engineering. For instance, ultra-precise angular alignments of the interferometer mirrors are necessary for effective transmission of the laser light. LIGO science relies on Einstein's premise that gravity is curvature in the geometry of space that arises near large masses. The Pasco students called on the knowledge they have acquired in Mrs. Beltran's course to interpret these geometry applications, and the students posed a number insightful questions about LIGO's operations and mission.