Status of gravitational wave detectors

The quest for gravitational waves is about to enter an exciting stage, as a new generation of very sensitive detectors are in the process of coming on line around the globe. The interferometric detectors in Europe, the US, and Japan join a network of resonant detectors in offering unprecedented capabilities for observing the gravitational wave sky. Beyond this generation of detectors, plans have been developed for advanced versions that can see signals an order of magnitude lower in amplitude. Interferometers in space are also envisioned. With all of this new observational capability, it is clear that the field of gravitational wave astronomy will soon be launched.