Gravitational Lenses: Does Gravity Distort Spacetime?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the concept of gravitational lenses and their ability to focus light and gravitational waves. Participants clarify that while gravitational lenses can focus gravitational waves, the term "gravitation" itself does not propagate like light. The conversation emphasizes that gravitation is better understood as the curvature of spacetime rather than a force that can be focused in the same manner as light.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of gravitational lensing concepts
  • Familiarity with gravitational waves and their properties
  • Basic knowledge of spacetime curvature
  • Awareness of general relativity principles
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the mechanics of gravitational lensing in astrophysics
  • Explore the properties and detection methods of gravitational waves
  • Study the implications of spacetime curvature in general relativity
  • Investigate the mathematical models used to describe gravitational lenses
USEFUL FOR

Astronomers, physicists, and students of general relativity who are interested in the interaction between gravity and light, as well as those studying gravitational waves and their implications in modern astrophysics.

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If gravitational lens can "focus" light, is it possible with gravitation, so that the resulting gravitation would be strangely unhomogenous?

(If it is a dumb/noob question just tell we pls.)
 
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Do you mean, can a gravitational lens focus gravitation? The question doesn't really make sense, because "gravitation" is not necessarily something that propagates like light does.

If we modify the question somewhat, to: can a gravitational lens focus gravitational waves? then I believe the answer is yes. But focusing gravitational waves is not the same as focusing "gravitation" in general.
 
Just an addition to Peter's remark: Gravitation can be seen as the bended structure of spacetime. Perhaps that helps to rephrase the original question which I haven't understood either.
 

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