Gravitational waves, predicted by Einstein's General Theory of Relativity a century ago, have emerged as a transformative tool in modern astrophysics. This review explores the detection methods, theoretical foundations, astrophysical sources, and implications for astrophysics and cosmology. Ground-based detectors like LIGO and Virgo, along with proposed space-based missions such as LISA and DECIGO, play crucial roles in capturing these elusive signals. Theoretical frameworks describe how these waves propagate through spacetime, offering insights into black hole dynamics, cosmological evolution, and the testing of fundamental theories of gravity. Current advancements and future prospects promise continued revelations about the universe's most violent events, marking a new frontier in observational astronomy.

gravitational waves, LIGO, Virgo, LISA, DECIGO, General Theory of Relativity, black hole mergers, neutron stars, astrophysical sources, cosmology, gravitational wave detection