This merger is a cataclysmic event, second only to the Big Bang in the amount of energy it produces.

These mergers are by far the most powerful events occurring in the universe, with each one generating more energy than all of the stars in the universe combined. Now we have realistic simulations to guide gravitational wave detectors coming online.

For years we didn't know what to expect.

This is not something made up, like in a science-fiction movie. We have confidence that these results are the real deal, that we have the true gravitational fingerprint predicted by Einstein for the black hole merger.

The wonderful thing about Bob Powell is what he does with his research, ... He takes that energy and enthusiasm gained because he found something new and uses it to motivate students. It gets them excited about science.

I think it's because there's more energy around the clubhouse. Guys are kind of pulling for each other a little more.