Visualizing Polarization Effects of Gravitational Waves Using Particle Rings and Surfaces in Virtual Reality

In some modified theories of gravity, gravitational waves may contain up to six polarizations. These different polarizations determine the pattern with which the gravitational waves stretch and squeeze spacetime, both perpendicular to and along the direction of propagation. Given the multi-dimensional nature of these distortions and the fact that they are not visible to the naked eye, immersive virtual reality is a useful tool for visualizing them. In this work, we introduce the first visualization tool allowing users to explore all six gravitational wave polarizations. This interactive and immersive virtual reality experience features three different visualization modes intended to illustrate the different patterns of distortion for each polarization, for arbitrary combinations of the polarizations, and for combinations of polarizations that correspond to specific theories of gravity.