What do gravitational waves mean and how do they impact our understanding of the universe?

Gravitational waves are ripples in spacetime caused by the movement of massive objects, like colliding black holes. They provide a new way to study the universe, allowing us to observe events that were previously invisible, like black hole mergers. By detecting gravitational waves, scientists can learn more about the nature of gravity, the properties of black holes, and the evolution of the cosmos. This helps us deepen our understanding of the universe and its fundamental workings.