The Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) is a large-scale physics experiment designed to detect cosmic gravitational waves and to observe astronomical events. It uses laser interferometry to measure tiny changes in distance caused by passing gravitational waves, which are ripples in spacetime produced by massive celestial events like merging black holes or neutron stars. LIGO consists of two main facilities located in Hanford, Washington and Livingston, Louisiana. These observatories work together to pinpoint the source of gravitational waves, providing valuable insights into the universe's most violent and energetic processes, thus enhancing our understanding of general relativity and the nature of the cosmos.