The 2017 Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded for the first observation of gravitational waves. This historic detection confirmed a major prediction made by Albert Einstein in his General Theory of Relativity over 100 years ago.

The prize was shared by three scientists: Rainer Weiss, Barry C. Barish, and Kip S. Thorne, for their leading roles in the development and success of the LIGO experiment (Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory).

Gravitational waves are tiny ripples in space-time caused by massive cosmic events like the collision of black holes. These waves were detected for the first time on September 14, 2015, when two black holes collided about 1.3 billion light-years away.

This observation proved that:
- Gravitational waves exist.
- We can now “hear” events in space, not just see them.
- A new branch of astronomy—gravitational wave astronomy—has begun.

The discovery was a result of decades of teamwork and advanced technology, opening new ways for scientists to explore space and understand the universe.

The other options listed are incorrect and do not reflect the actual reason for the 2017 Physics Nobel Prize.