Two Become One
February 13, 2016
“Only in love are unity and duality not in conflict.”
~ Rabindranath Tagore
A love story that was written in the sky more than a billion light years away from our corner of space-time has finally been told, thanks to researchers with the LIGO Scientific Collaboration.
The LIGO (Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory) is the world’s largest gravitational observatory. Gravitational waves are ripples in the fabric of space-time cause by violent events such as exploding stars or colliding black holes. The existence of gravitational waves was predicted by Albert Einstein back in 1916, based on his general theory of relativity. Einstein’s mathematical predictions showed that if objects as massive as black holes were orbiting each other, the sheer size of the event would disrupt the fabric of space-time, sending waves of warped space into the Universe, rippling through space-time at the speed of light. It’s kind of like how a massive earthquake in the middle of the ocean can cause a tsunami to reach distant shores hours later. In the case of gravitational waves, it’s light years later.
Although Einstein predicted their existence, this discovery represents the first ever direct detection of gravitational waves by scientists. The LIGO was able to “see” this ancient event, not with telescopes but by utilizing laser beams and mirrors.
Gravitational waves enable us to observe the very early Universe because they can let us peek “behind” the Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation (CMBR). The CMBR can give us an image of the Universe at about 380,000 years after its beginning, but not before. Prior to that time, the Universe was filled with hot, ionized gases that “fogged” everything up. At about its 380,000th birthday, things cooled down enough for the fog to clear. However, gravitational waves can ripple right towards us from the early Universe, fog or no fog. One day, this technology might even enable us to “see” the original Big Bang.
But back to the love story….
These two black holes began as two stars that were born together or born close enough to capture one another in their respective orbits. They evolved together, side by side. Finally, when they could no longer bear to be apart, they began to dance around each other, moving faster and faster until, in one violent burst of ecstasy, they became one. You can watch their dance in the YouTube above and listen in to their moment of joyful union below.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
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Chocolate and Coffee collide in creamy goodness with Chocolate Coffee Custard.
Chocolate Coffee Custard
Thick and chocolaty, this delicious custard will inspire love any day of the year. These are pretty served in small, ceramic or glass coffee cups. I used Vital Farms Pastured Eggs from happy, healthy, free-roaming chickens.
2 eggs or 4 yolks
1/3 cup organic sugar
Seeds scraped from a 1-inch piece of vanilla bean
3/4 cup milk (2% or whole)
1/2 cup strong coffee or espresso
60z (scant 1 cup) semi-sweet chocolate pieces
Optional for garnish:
Whipped cream
Fresh, local berries
Cookies
In a medium heatproof bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar and vanilla seeds. Set aside.
In a medium, heavy saucepan, heat the milk and coffee or espresso over medium-low heat for about 2 t 3 minutes, or until just beginning to boil (do not boil!). Remove from heat and add chocolate pieces, stirring and scraping the bottom until melted and smooth.
Very gradually pour the warm chocolate mixture into the egg/sugar mixture while whisking constantly (if you pour too slowly and don’t stir the eggs will cook too fast and give you scrambled chocolate eggs – tasty, but not what we’re going for). Once all the liquid has been stirred into the egg/sugar mixture, return the mixture to the pan and cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly and scraping the bottom and sides, until the mixture thickens and just begins to bubble. Do not let it boil! When it is ready, it will be like runny pudding. This should take about 8 to 10 minutes.
Divide the custard among four to six cups and let cool completely. Cover surface with plastic wrap and chill several hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
Decorate with berries and/or whipped cream or serve with cookies, if desired.
Serves 4 to 6
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