A signal from a 130 million light-years galaxy could provide new data on the origin of stars.
The phenomenon of gravitational waves was predicted by Albert Einstein in his theory of relativity. These waves are generated by releasing large amounts of energy, following the collision between objects of enormous density, such as black holes, providing relevant information about the origin of stars.
So far gravitational waves have been directly observed three times, the first on September 14, 2015. In all cases were the result of collisions between black holes.
However, scientists at the American space observatory LIGO and European VIRGO believe they have witnessed a new source of gravitational disturbances, caused by the collision of two neutron stars, resulting from the collapse of supergiant stars.
To corroborate the source of the waves, scientists point their telescopes, including Hubble, to galaxy NGC 4993 and coordinate data collection. Astronomers believe the signal has its origin in a binary neutron star belonging to that galaxy, located about 130 million light years from Earth.
While several astronomers have tweeted messages speculating about the imminent detection of gravitational waves, LIGO observatory spokesman has merely confirmed that "an important observation is about to conclude" on August 25, adding that he expects to publish new information from Great relevance for that date.