Gravitational Lensing: How Does it Work?

[Random Guy]

I have heard of two physical phenomena:
1. A photon traveling from one location to another, goes the path that takes the shortest time. (More correctly, the quickest paths has the highest probability amplitude)
2. Time is slowed down in a gravitational field.

Is this how gravitational lensing works?:
A photon in a distant galaxy chose to travel to earth.
Another galaxy with a large gravitational field is in the way.
To avoid being slowed down, the photon avoids that galaxy. Instead it goes around it.
From earth, it looks like the otherwise straight photon path have been bent by the middle galaxy.

Is this how gravity works on all kinds of matter?

 

[Valerie Park]

No, gravity only works on matter and energy. It does not affect light or other forms of radiation in the same way.

 

[Graeme Robinson]

Yes, this is essentially how gravitational lensing works. When a photon travels through space, it follows the path of least resistance, which is the shortest amount of time. In the presence of a massive object, such as a galaxy, the space-time around it is curved due to its gravitational field. This curvature affects the path of the photon, causing it to bend around the object instead of directly towards it. This is similar to how a marble would roll around a curved surface instead of going straight towards the center.

This phenomenon is not limited to photons, but can also occur with all forms of matter. In fact, Einstein's theory of general relativity states that all objects with mass are affected by gravity and will follow curved paths in the presence of a massive object. This is why planets orbit around the sun and why galaxies are held together by their own gravitational pull. So yes, this is how gravity works on all kinds of matter.

Additionally, the slowing down of time in a gravitational field, known as time dilation, is also a result of the curvature of space-time. The stronger the gravitational field, the greater the curvature and the stronger the time dilation effect. This is why time moves slower near massive objects such as black holes.

In summary, gravitational lensing is a result of the curvature of space-time caused by the presence of massive objects, and this is how gravity works on all forms of matter. It is a fascinating phenomenon that has allowed scientists to study and observe distant galaxies and objects that would otherwise be impossible to see.