Could Light from Distant Stars Be Doppelgangers Due to Gravitational Lensing?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the phenomenon of gravitational lensing, where light from distant stars bends due to the gravitational influence of massive objects. Participants explore the theoretical possibility of cumulative effects, suggesting that light from nearer objects could appear as doppelgangers of distant stars due to this bending. While the concept is theoretically valid, practical observation is challenging due to the minuscule intensity of these doppelgangers. Notable examples include Einstein crosses, which illustrate the effects of gravitational lensing resulting in double images of stars.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of gravitational lensing principles
  • Familiarity with Einstein's theory of general relativity
  • Knowledge of astronomical observation techniques
  • Basic concepts of light propagation in curved spacetime
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  • Research the mechanics of gravitational lensing and its implications in astrophysics
  • Study Einstein crosses and their significance in observational astronomy
  • Explore advanced techniques for detecting faint astronomical objects
  • Investigate the role of massive objects in the universe and their effects on light paths
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Astronomers, astrophysicists, and students interested in gravitational lensing and its effects on light from distant celestial bodies.

c_helm@yahoo.com
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Regarding the concept of light from distant stars "bending" due to the curvature of space caused by the gravity of massive objects:

Question: can there be a cumulative effect? Could some of the objects we see as light actually be dopplegangers of nearer objects, their light carroming around space riding a daisy-chain of massive objects? Is this even possible?
 
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c_helm@yahoo.com said:
Question: can there be a cumulative effect? Could some of the objects we see as light actually be dopplegangers of nearer objects, their light carroming around space riding a daisy-chain of massive objects? Is this even possible?

Theoretically, yes. In practice, I believe that this is difficult to observe or document - the intensity of these dopelgangers would be miniscule.

You can get things like einstein crosses and other sorts of gravity lens effects that lead to double images of stars.
 

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