On the Nature of Gravitational Waves

The mainstream physics community defines gravitational waves as ripples caused by spacetime curvature. Based on observations of neutron star mergers and black hole collisions, this paper proposes a new explanation: gravitational waves originate from the instant conversion of mass into energy, photons and light during extreme astrophysical processes. The reduction of mass leads to a sudden decrease and fluctuation of gravity; such disturbances propagate through space and are detected on Earth. This explanation follows basic physical laws, is logically self-consistent, and reveals the true nature of gravitational waves without additional hypotheses about spacetime deformation.