Angle deflection from gravitational lenses

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the angle deflection of light due to gravitational lenses, specifically referencing the expression found on the Living Reviews in Relativity website. Participants clarify that the impact parameter 'r' in the angle deflection formula refers to the radius of the deflecting object rather than the distance to its surface. This distinction is crucial for accurate calculations in gravitational lensing scenarios.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of gravitational lensing principles
  • Familiarity with the concept of impact parameters in physics
  • Basic knowledge of general relativity
  • Ability to interpret mathematical expressions related to light deflection
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  • Research the mathematical derivation of gravitational lensing equations
  • Explore the implications of impact parameters in astrophysics
  • Study the effects of different mass distributions on light deflection
  • Learn about observational techniques for detecting gravitational lenses
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Astronomers, physicists, and students studying general relativity or gravitational lensing who seek to deepen their understanding of light deflection phenomena.

Niles
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Hi all

The expression for the angle deflection on the following page: http://relativity.livingreviews.org/open?pubNo=lrr-1998-12&page=node2.html

Is the impact parameter r in the expression the distance to the surface of the objects that deflects the light or the the center of mass of the object? Unfortunately they do not specify this.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Space news on Phys.org
It is the radius.
 
I'm thinking it's probably the latter..
 

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