Can Einstein-Chwolson rings be observed from a telescope on Earth?

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SUMMARY

Einstein-Chwolson rings can be observed from Earth, primarily using radio telescopes due to their ability to penetrate atmospheric distortions. The Very Large Array (VLA) was instrumental in the discovery of these rings, demonstrating that radio telescopes can effectively image them. High-powered reflective telescopes, particularly those located on mountaintops in Chile, are also capable of observing these distant sources, although they require optimal conditions to minimize light pollution and atmospheric interference.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Einstein-Chwolson rings and gravitational lensing
  • Familiarity with radio telescopes, specifically the Very Large Array (VLA)
  • Knowledge of optical telescope specifications and capabilities
  • Awareness of atmospheric effects on astronomical observations
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of gravitational lensing and its implications in astronomy
  • Explore the technology and capabilities of the Very Large Array (VLA)
  • Investigate the design and operation of high-powered reflective telescopes
  • Learn about atmospheric conditions affecting astronomical observations, including light pollution and water vapor
USEFUL FOR

Astronomers, astrophysics students, and telescope operators interested in gravitational lensing and observational techniques for distant celestial objects.

KurtLudwig
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TL;DR
Can Einstein-Chwolson rings be observed from a telescope on Earth or can they only be observed by the Hubbell telescope in space?
There may be too much absorption and distortion by the atmosphere of the faint images when viewed from Earth.
 
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It looks like radio telescopes on Earth can image them okay:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Einstein_ring

1611082242874.png
 
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Thanks for the link. I have read the article of the above link, and the observation of doctoral researcher Margharita Bettinelli.

Are radio telescopes more sensitive than optical telescopes since microwaves are less absorbed by clouds and water vapor in the air?

It must take a very high-powered reflective telescope to to see a source galaxy 8.5 billion light years from Earth. And it must be located on a mountain top in Chile where there is very little light pollution and water vapor in the atmosphere.
 
KurtLudwig said:
It must take a very high-powered reflective telescope...
Yup, if you consider a 'gain' factor 250 000 to 1 000 000 to be 'very high-powered.'

Depending on the individual, the pupil size when dark adapted is 4mm to 8mm.
(reference: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK381/)
If you calculate the light gathering area of the human pupil and the 4meter telescope, that's the ratio you get.

Just another tool that we 'Humans-the-tool-makers' have come up with.:oldbiggrin:

Cheers,
Tom
 
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