gravitational radiation

The transmission of variations in the gravitational field as waves. According to general relativity, the curvature of space-time is determined by the distribution of masses, and the motion of masses is determined by the curvature. In consequence, variations of the gravitational field should be transmitted from place to place as waves, just as variations of an electromagnetic field travel as waves. Gravitational radiation has only been indirectly observed.

Find more information on gravitational radiation. Upgrade to Britannica Online for more on gravitational radiation.