This thesis presents a comprehensive review of gravitational waves (GWs), their theoretical underpinnings, detection methods, and astrophysical implications. The study outlines the fundamentals of general relativity, which predict the existence of GWs as ripples in spacetime caused by accelerating massive objects. A detailed exploration of detection techniques follows, focusing on the groundbreaking contributions of the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO). Gravitational wave astronomy has revolutionized our understanding of the universe, providing direct evidence of black hole and neutron star mergers. This thesis presents a comparative analysis of two landmark events: GW150914, the first detected gravitational wave event from a binary black hole merger, and GW170817, the first observed neutron star merger. By reviewing existing research and conducting an analytical comparison, this study examines key differences in waveform characteristics, astrophysical origins, and associated electromagnetic counterparts. The findings highlight the fundamental distinctions between binary black hole and neutron star mergers, particularly in energy emission, post-merger phenomena, and implications for multi-messenger astronomy. This comparative analysis provides insights into the role of gravitational wave observations in advancing our understanding of extreme astrophysical events. This thesis aims to provide a thorough synthesis of current knowledge while highlighting the evolving methodologies and discoveries in GW research.
