Yes, gravitational waves are affected by large gravitational bodies. Gravitational waves are ripples in the fabric of spacetime that propagate outward from their source at the speed of light. They are generated by the acceleration of massive objects, such as merging black holes or neutron stars.
When gravitational waves pass through a region of spacetime containing a large gravitational body, such as a massive star or a black hole, they can be influenced by the gravitational field of that body. This interaction causes the gravitational waves to experience a phenomenon called gravitational lensing, which is similar to the bending of light by a massive object.
Gravitational lensing of gravitational waves can lead to various effects. For example, the path of the gravitational waves can be curved or distorted, causing changes in their direction or shape. This effect is similar to how light is bent by the gravitational field of massive objects, as predicted by Einstein's theory of general relativity.
Additionally, the presence of a large gravitational body can also affect the amplitude and frequency of gravitational waves. The gravitational field of the massive object can alter the spacetime around it, leading to changes in the properties of passing gravitational waves.
Overall, the influence of large gravitational bodies on gravitational waves is an important aspect of studying these waves and understanding the nature of gravity itself. The detection and analysis of gravitational waves from various sources provide valuable insights into the behavior of gravitational fields and the dynamics of massive objects in the universe.