Catching the Wave: Gravitational Wave Exhibition at the Thinktank Science Museum

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After decades of development, the gravitational-wave detector Advanced LIGO began taking data in September 2015, expecting the first ever direct detection of gravitational waves during the first years of operation. We therefore seek to adapt our gravitational-wave outreach activities in anticipation of the increased public interest around the first detection. Along with the centenary of Einstein's theory of General Relativity, this makes this a very opportune time to engage the public in the blossoming field of gravitational-wave astronomy.The Astrophysics & Space Research Group at the University of Birmingham has a strong outreach programme. Our exhibition "Looking for Black Holes with Lasers", developed in 2010, is dedicated to introducing students, teachers and members of the public to gravitational-wave science. The exhibition has been shown at large science festivals such as Gravity Fields (Grantham Science Festival 2012) and the Cheltenham Science Festival (2013), and we continue to be invited to prestigious national science events including the British Science Festival (2014) and BBC Star Gazing Live (2013).In partnership with the Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum, we are planning a new dedicated exhibition on gravitational-wave astronomy and gravitational-wave detectors, to open early 2016. We will provide two exhibits (organised in conjunction with Lauren Deere, Museum Manager, Thinktank, Birmingham Science Museum) to be featured prominently in one of the museum's main galleries. One exhibit will be a computer-based stand and the other will be centred around a working scientific instrument. At this exciting time for gravitational-wave astronomy, the high footfall in the Thinktank (260,000 visitors last year) will enable us to engage a wide audience including children, teenagers and families who would not normally come in contact with this field. After the main event, this portable exhibit will form an excellent addition to our existing materials, and will be used for many years in the public engagement programme of the Astrophysics and Space Research Group, including events held on campus, in schools and at science festivals.