Gravitational Lensing and Redshift

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the effects of gravitational lensing on the redshift of light from lensed objects, particularly in the context of galaxy clusters. Participants explore the relationship between gravitational fields and the redshift phenomenon, questioning whether lensing alters the observed redshift of light from distant galaxies.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether gravitational lensing affects the redshift of lensed images, suggesting that the bending of light paths may not influence redshift.
  • Another participant asserts that a photon is blue shifted upon entering a gravitational field and then redshifted by the same amount upon exiting, indicating that intervening matter does not affect the overall redshift.
  • A follow-up inquiry seeks clarification on the mechanism behind the blue shift and red shift of photons as they enter and exit gravitational fields, proposing that gravity pulls on the photon, affecting its wavelength.
  • Further discussion reiterates the idea that the gravitational field causes a blue shift when entering and a corresponding red shift when exiting, with agreement on this explanation.
  • A later post raises a question about the potential for measurable differences in cosmological redshift between lensed images and those observed through unobstructed space.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the mechanism of blue shift and red shift related to gravitational fields, but the impact of gravitational lensing on redshift remains a point of inquiry, with some uncertainty about measurable differences in specific contexts.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve the question of whether gravitational lensing can lead to measurable differences in redshift, leaving open the implications of local group dynamics and lensing effects.

SHISHKABOB
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hi there, I was just at a seminar in which the speaker was talking about using gravitational lensing to investigate galaxy clusters

my question is pretty simple: is there any effect on the redshift of the image of an object which is "lensed" by the gravitational lensing phenomenon? I would imagine that it would not, because all that's going on is bending of the path that the light is taking. However, I am not very well educated on the topic, and perhaps there are things that I am not taking into account.
 
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A photon is blue shifted as it enters a gravitational field, then redshifted by the same amount as it exits. Intervening matter [i.e., a lensing body] has no effect.
 
Chronos said:
A photon is blue shifted as it enters a gravitational field, then redshifted by the same amount as it exits. Intervening matter [i.e., a lensing body] has no effect.

Is this because the force of the gravity on the photon as it enters the gravitational field 'pulls' the photon inward, thus shortening the wavelength and blueshifting it? And as it leaves the gravitational field, the gravity is pulling on it, which causes the wavelength to increase, thus redshifting it?
 
Light Bearer said:
Is this because the force of the gravity on the photon as it enters the gravitational field 'pulls' the photon inward, thus shortening the wavelength and blueshifting it? And as it leaves the gravitational field, the gravity is pulling on it, which causes the wavelength to increase, thus redshifting it?

Pretty much, yes.
 
Chronos said:
A photon is blue shifted as it enters a gravitational field, then redshifted by the same amount as it exits. Intervening matter [i.e., a lensing body] has no effect.

thanks
 
Is there enough space in local group that lensed image through one can have measurable difference of cosmological redshift compared to its sister image through "clean" space?
 

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