Hanford: Visit LIGO

LIGO uses cutting edge science to explore the secrets of the universe.

NPS/Hildebrandt

In 1943, the US Army selected a vast, isolated area along the Columbia River to build plutonium production facilities for the Manhattan Project. Since 1943, the federal government has operated the Hanford Site, maintaining its isolation and limited commercial development. The size of the Hanford Site and its relative isolation helped fuel a new scientific project almost 50 years later.   

In 1992, the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) was built on the Hanford Site to detect gravitational wave vibrations from outer space. Its instruments, called interferometers, have arms that stretch to about 2.5 miles (4 km) long. The instruments are very sensitive to local vibrations like those from human activity. LIGO selected the Hanford area for one of its two interferometers because Hanford is still relatively isolated from a lot of human activity. This area also has the required space for the massive scientific project. Scientists use the instruments to help study major stellar events like the collision of black holes. 

The LIGO Exploration Center is home to exciting interactive exhibits focused on gravitational waves and related sciences, as well as hardware reflecting the history of gravitational wave astronomy. It is open to the public, free of charge during hours of operation listed on their website.

Details

Duration

2 Hours

Activity

Museum Exhibits

Pets Allowed

No

Activity Fee

No

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

Location

LIGO Hanford Exploration Center

127124 N Rt. 10, Richland, WA 99354

Reservations

No

Season

Year Round

Time of Day

Day

For more information on hours, visit the LIGO website. 

Accessibility Information

For more information on accessibility, contact LIGO at 509-372-8106. For more general information, visit LIGO’s website.