What are Gravitational waves?

Gravitational waves by definition are ripples in the curvature of space-time that disseminate as waves, generated in certain gravitational interactions such and travelling outward from their source.

Forecasted in 1916 by Albert Einstein on the basis of his theory of general relativity, gravitational waves transfer energy as gravitational radiation, a form of radiant energy similar to electromagnetic radiation. Gravitational waves cannot exist in the Newtonian theory of gravitation, since Newtonian theory suggests that physical interactions propagate at infinite speed. 

Due to the weakness of the coupling of gravity to matter gravitational waves experience very little absorption or scattering, even as they travel over astronomical distances. In particular, gravitational waves are expected to be unaffected by the opacity of the very early universe before space became "transparent"; observations based upon light, radio waves, and other electromagnetic radiation further back into time is limited or unavailable.

Gravitational waves are expected to have the potential to open a new means of observation to the very early universe. 

Theoretically, since we see gravity as a wave, it should follow wave phenomena, I.e. we can strengthen it using resonance or deconstruct it, we could manipulate it using multiple slit diffraction, which in theory should create a pattern of constructive and deconstructive gravitational waves, which in other words, we can theoretically control gravity, however, we need to create these waves or find strong waves to use, if we were to create them, we would need extremely dense mass or large masses moving at great speeds.

Solar Parks and Their Impacts on the Environment

At COP21 in Paris last year, 195 countries agreed to cap Global Warming. They set the target of lowering global temperatures by 2 degrees celsius. This has coincided with the growth of the solar power industry, which has experienced a large increase in revenue from US$69 million in 2010 to US$188.6 million in 2015 in the United States (statista.com). Solar power leads the way for the clean energy industry, as shown by the growth of solar parks in the US, UK, India, China, Australia and more. However, as Solar energy sources have a low energy density of just 1.5 microjoules per cubic metre(twenty quadrillion times less than oil), these solar parks take up a lot of space and affect agricultural land use. Governments have attempted to reduce these issues by ensuring that these parks are only constructed on low-yielding/low-grade farmland.

However, a year-long study conducted by Lancaster University in the UK has provided some insight into the possible effects of solar parks on the environment.  Solar parks are usually constructed on agricultural land, which is why this study could be a breakthrough for the concept. Wind farms which is the same idea in principle, showed changes in the micro-climate in terms of temperature, humidity levels and also the carbon dioxide concentration in the air. Solar panels are expected to have effects on light and shading. Whether this affects the carbon-storing capabilities of soil is currently unknown. If the panels do affect the soil, it could have major implications on the carbon cycle especially because these farms are large projects that span several squared kilometres. Perhaps it could even reduce the amount of greenhouse gases released by soil which would make solar parks a viable method to mitigate the effects of global warming.

For now, there needs to be more research about the relationships between solar parks and soil so that large investments are not misguided and that the implications of the micro climate of an area is not drastically altered as a result of these parks.