Gravitational Lensing vs Gravitational Microlensing

In summary, gravitational lensing is when light is bent by the gravitational pull of a massive object, such as a galaxy. The difference between gravitational lensing and gravitational microlensing is the scale of the lensing object, with gravitational lensing involving larger objects like galaxies and gravitational microlensing involving smaller objects like stars. Gravitational lensing can magnify and distort the images of distant objects, allowing us to study dark matter and observe faint or distant objects. Gravitational microlensing is also used to detect exoplanets by observing the temporary brightening of a background star as a planet passes in front of it.
  • #1
sfbsoccer25
4
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Just a matter of terminology, are gravitational lensing and gravitational microlensing the same phenomenon? I have always been under the impression that they were. Any help? Thanks!
 
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  • #2

1. What is gravitational lensing?

Gravitational lensing is a phenomenon in which the path of light is bent by the gravitational pull of a massive object, such as a galaxy or a cluster of galaxies.

2. What is the difference between gravitational lensing and gravitational microlensing?

The main difference between gravitational lensing and gravitational microlensing is the scale of the lensing object. Gravitational lensing involves the bending of light by large objects, such as galaxies, while gravitational microlensing involves the bending of light by smaller objects, such as stars.

3. How does gravitational lensing affect our view of distant objects?

Gravitational lensing can magnify and distort the images of distant objects, making them appear larger and in different shapes than they actually are. It can also create multiple images of the same object.

4. What is the significance of gravitational lensing in astrophysics?

Gravitational lensing is a powerful tool for studying the distribution of dark matter in the universe and determining the mass of distant objects. It also allows us to observe objects that would otherwise be too faint or distant to be seen.

5. How is gravitational microlensing used to detect exoplanets?

Gravitational microlensing can be used to detect exoplanets by observing the temporary brightening of a background star as a planet passes in front of it, causing a slight distortion in the light. This method is particularly useful for detecting smaller, Earth-sized planets that are farther away from their host stars.

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