1 August 2017 — On August 1, 2017 the Virgo detector began taking science-quality data in concert with LIGO. While LIGO and Virgo have operated together in the past, this marks the first time they are jointly taking data after significant upgrades to both detectors. This 2nd observing run (O2) began at the end of November 2016 and will continue until August 25, 2017.
Virgo, located near Pisa, Italy, began taking engineering-mode data alongside the two LIGO detectors in mid-June. Since that time the Virgo team has been working to hunt down sources of instrument noise and improve the stable operation of the interferometer. Besides providing further confirmation of any detected events, the addition of Virgo is expected to improve their sky localization by an average factor of 2 or better. At the end of O2 both detectors will return to improving their sensitivities in preparation for the next joint observation run (O3, currently scheduled to begin in Fall 2018).
For more information see the Virgo press release.