For the first time, scientists have directly detected gravitational waves in addition to light from the spectacular collision of two neutron stars. This marks the first time that a cosmic event has been viewed in both gravitational waves and light.

The discovery was made using the U.S.-based LIGO interferometer; the Europe-based Virgo detector; and some 70 ground- and space-based observatories.

The Virgo collaboration includes POLGRAW, a group of Polish scientists from Polish Academy of Sciences Mathematics Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences Copernicus Astronomical Centre, NCBJ, AGH University of Science & Technology in Cracow, University in Białystok, Jagiellonian University  in Cracow, Copernicus University in Toruń, Warsaw University, Wrocław University and Zielona Góra University.

See extensive press release by Jennifer Chu, MIT News Office.