A crucial moment in Corey Gray’s career began with a cultural gathering in Alberta and concluded with a scientific milestone. Corey experienced the first detection of gravitational waves from colliding neutron stars.

During the night shift at LIGO, the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory in Hanford, Washington, Corey was present when this groundbreaking signal was received.

In a conversation with Short Wave Scientist-in-Residence Regina G. Barber, Corey discusses the discovery. He also shares insights into the ‘Gravitational Wave Grass Dance Special’ that took place before and reflects on the origin of his Blackfoot name.

This episode received production support from Devan Schwartz, editorial guidance from Gabriel Spitzer, and was fact-checked by Abē Levine.