Episode 7: Livingston's Best-Kept Secret: Exploring LIGO (ft. Sophia Crook)

In this episode of Parish Porch, we sit down with Sophia Crook, Science Educator for LIGO Livingston, one of only two gravitational wave observatories in the United States. Sophia walks us through how LIGO detects ripples in space-time, what it’s like working at the forefront of astrophysics, and how the public can engage with the science right here in Livingston Parish.

We discuss:

• What gravitational waves actually are (and why they matter)
• LIGO's role in global scientific discovery
• How Louisiana ended up on the cutting edge of astrophysics
• Free public tours and field trip opportunities
• Encouraging kids and curious adults to ask big questions

Mentioned in this episode:

• Visit LIGO Livingston: https://www.ligo.caltech.edu/LA
• Schedule a public tour: https://www.ligo.caltech.edu/LA/page/Community-Tours
• Explore LIGO for educators: https://www.ligo.caltech.edu/LA/page/Educators

🎧 Tune in to hear how our little corner of Louisiana is making a massive impact on science across the universe.

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