More detectors means more data, which, in turn, leads to a greater ability to discern subtle patterns.
Scientists also gain a better measurement of distance
when more detectors are added to the network.
Now, unlike Einstein a century ago who could scarcely imagine gravitational waves ever being seen, the scientists hunting the elusive spacetime ripples already have big plans
for more detectors and observatories in the near and far future.
Spurred by their success, the team
built more detectors and installed them across the northwest coast of Honshu.
SuperCDMS, which will
involve more detectors and hence more material for WIMPs to bump into, is already taking shape at Soudan and may reach full deployment by summer 2010, the collaboration noted.
This means
placing more detectors inside and near the pyramid that collect data for longer — up to several years, Tayoubi says.
As more detectors are added, the exact positions of these energetic events may be pinpointed, allowing other observatories that see the universe in the electromagnetic spectrum (i.e., light) to carry out follow - up observations.
Two detectors can even determine a rough direction as to where the wave was traveling from, but
if more detectors are added to the network, astronomers hope to eventually pinpoint, with increasing precision, where they originate.
At least one
more detector, preferably two, would be needed to triangulate the precise location of the black holes in the sky.