What's Next?

What's Next

You have implemented the core equations of general relativity. Here are natural next steps:

  • Numerical Relativity — Simulating binary black hole mergers requires solving the full Einstein field equations on a computer. Codes like Einstein Toolkit and GR-Hydro use this.
  • Cosmology — The Friedmann equations describe the expanding universe using GR. Dark energy, inflation, and the CMB all follow from Einstein's field equations applied to the universe as a whole.
  • Quantum Gravity — String theory and loop quantum gravity attempt to reconcile GR with quantum mechanics. No complete theory exists yet.
  • LIGO/Virgo/KAGRA — The gravitational-wave detectors measure strains you computed in this course. Their open data is publicly available for analysis.

Further Reading

  • Gravitation by Misner, Thorne & Wheeler — The definitive GR textbook, encyclopedic and rigorous.
  • A First Course in General Relativity by Schutz — The most accessible introduction, excellent for self-study.
  • Spacetime and Geometry by Carroll — Modern treatment with differential geometry, free lecture notes available.
  • MIT OpenCourseWare 8.962 — Graduate GR course by Scott Hughes, full lecture notes and problem sets.
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