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wolram
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How many Einstein rings have been found to date, i mean galaxies lensed by gravity?
So many, I think, that I seriously doubt anyone has bothered to count them.wolram said:How many Einstein rings have been found to date, i mean galaxies lensed by gravity?
As of 2021, around 100 Einstein rings have been discovered by scientists.
An Einstein ring is a rare astronomical phenomenon where the light of a distant galaxy is bent and amplified by the gravitational pull of a closer galaxy, creating a ring-like shape.
Einstein rings are typically discovered by analyzing images taken by telescopes, such as the Hubble Space Telescope. Scientists look for circular or arc-shaped features in the images, which could indicate the presence of an Einstein ring.
Studying Einstein rings can provide valuable insights into the distribution of dark matter in the universe, as well as the structure and evolution of galaxies. They can also help us better understand the concept of gravitational lensing and test Einstein's theory of general relativity.
Einstein rings are considered rare, as they require a specific alignment of galaxies and a strong gravitational lensing effect to occur. However, with advancements in technology and improved telescopes, more Einstein rings are being discovered and studied by scientists.