MIT Scientists Discuss Breakthroughs in Gravitational Waves and Planetary Defense on GBH's 'The Curiosity Desk'

LIGO researchers and asteroid experts share insights on the latest discoveries and technologies advancing fundamental physics and space exploration.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 11:00pm

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In recent episodes of GBH's science show 'The Curiosity Desk', MIT professors Nergis Mavalvala, Salvatore Vitale, Julien de Wit, Artem Burdanov, and Saverio Cambioni joined host Edgar B. Herwick III to discuss the latest advancements in gravitational wave detection and planetary defense against asteroids. The scientists shared how their fundamental research is leading to new technologies and inspiring future generations of scientists.

Why it matters

The conversations on 'The Curiosity Desk' highlight how investments in pure scientific discovery can yield unexpected benefits for society, from advancing quantum computing to protecting critical satellite infrastructure. As humanity becomes more reliant on space-based technologies, understanding and defending against asteroid threats takes on greater importance.

The details

On the March 12 episode, Mavalvala and Vitale discussed how the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO) has enabled new ways to observe the universe. They explained that building the world's most precise instruments requires constant innovation, with each component needing to be designed from scratch to meet stringent requirements. Mavalvala emphasized that the synergy between theoretical physics and experimental work is crucial, as theorists provide the ideas that experimentalists then seek to measure and validate. Later in the month, de Wit, Burdanov, and Cambioni joined Herwick to talk about their research using the James Webb Space Telescope to identify smaller, bus-sized asteroids that pose risks to satellites. They noted that even an asteroid strike on the moon could generate debris that could damage critical space infrastructure. The scientists also discussed the potential to mine asteroids for resources to support future space exploration and development.

  • The March 12 episode featured Mavalvala and Vitale.
  • The March 26 episode featured de Wit, Burdanov, and Cambioni.

The players

Nergis Mavalvala

Dean of the MIT School of Science and an expert in building the world's most precise instruments to study physical phenomena.

Salvatore Vitale

MIT physicist who focuses on the theoretical work that complements the experimental efforts of researchers like Mavalvala.

Julien de Wit

Associate Professor at MIT who leads research to identify smaller asteroids using the James Webb Space Telescope.

Artem Burdanov

Research scientist at MIT who studies the threat of asteroids to satellites and space infrastructure.

Saverio Cambioni

Research scientist at MIT who collaborates with de Wit and Burdanov on planetary defense research.

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What they’re saying

“When you're making instruments that achieve that kind of precision, you're inventing new technologies. [With LIGO] We've invented vibration isolation technologies to keep our mirrors really still. We've invented lasers that are quieter than any that were ever made before. We've invented photonic techniques that are allowing us to make applications even to far off things like quantum computing.”

— Nergis Mavalvala, Dean, MIT School of Science

“To me, it falls in the category of for the betterment of humankind. You never know what is going to be useful. A lot of fundamental research was very far at the beginning from what turned out to be fundamental applications.”

— Salvatore Vitale, MIT Physicist

“Dinosaurs didn't need to care about an asteroid hitting the moon. Humanity a century ago didn't care. Now, if [an asteroid] hits the moon, a lot of debris will be expelled and all those particles – big and small – they will affect the fleet of satellites around Earth. That's a big potential problem, so we need to take that into account in our future.”

— Artem Burdanov, MIT Research Scientist

What’s next

The MIT scientists plan to continue refining the gravitational wave detectors and asteroid tracking technologies, which will lead to new discoveries and applications that could benefit humanity in unexpected ways.

The takeaway

The MIT researchers' discussions on 'The Curiosity Desk' showcase how fundamental scientific exploration, from gravitational waves to planetary defense, can drive technological innovation and inspire future generations of scientists, ultimately leading to advancements that improve our understanding of the universe and protect critical infrastructure in the space age.