Is Our View of Galaxies Distorted by Their Light Travel Time and Gravity?

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SUMMARY

The discussion confirms that our view of galaxies can be distorted due to light travel time and gravitational effects. When observing a galaxy head-on, the light from stars at different distances within the galaxy reaches us at different times, leading to a perception of distortion. Specifically, if the core of a galaxy is 100,000 light-years away from its outer reaches, the rotation observed at the outer edges appears to be delayed compared to that at the center. This phenomenon highlights the complexities of interpreting astronomical observations.

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Teeril
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I was wondering, when we look at galaxies head on through a telescope, do we get a distorted view?

What I mean is for example if the core is aimed directly at us so we see the galaxy from the top then the light of all stars is pretty much the same age. But in the galaxy itself there's a difference depending on the size.

So if for example the core is 100.000 light year away from the outer reaches wouldn't the rotation on the outer reaches seem 100.000 light year further than the rotation at the center?
 
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Yes, you are correct. We get a distorted view.
 

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