Gravitational wave detection could be a false alarm

Caution is needed over claims that gravitational waves have been found. It could be a fake to test the detectors and scientists involved - it has been before

There is a strong rumour that gravitational waves - one of astronomy's holy grails - have been found. Rumours have been circulating since November that 'something' was detected in September 2015. Analysis is currently ongoing and if everything checks out an announcement is expected in February.

The rumour of this possible detection was first mentioned in The Guardian on 7 December by Paul Davies. Now the story has now taken on a life of its own, thanks to a tweet by the physicist and author Lawrence Krauss.