Is the Hubble Telescope Smiling at a Gravitational Lens?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the Hubble Telescope's observation of a gravitational lens that some participants describe as resembling a smile. The conversation includes reactions to the image, comparisons to avatars, and humorous exchanges about the implications of the image.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express amazement and find the image both cute and creepy.
  • There are references to the image resembling avatars, with one participant noting a similarity to another user's avatar.
  • One participant humorously suggests that the gravitational lens could be seen as part of a larger cosmic figure, mentioning the "finger of god."
  • Several participants share their thoughts on creating avatars based on the image, with options for modifications discussed.
  • One participant mentions sending the image to friends, who found it creepy, while they personally view it as "incredibly nifty."
  • There is a light-hearted exchange about the potential dangers of encountering black holes in the context of the image.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally share a sense of wonder and humor about the image, but opinions vary on whether it is cute or creepy. No consensus is reached on the emotional response to the image.

Contextual Notes

Participants express differing interpretations of the image's appearance and emotional impact, indicating a lack of shared understanding of its significance.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in astronomy, visual representations of cosmic phenomena, and those who enjoy light-hearted discussions about space imagery may find this thread engaging.

Andy Resnick
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oosmile.jpg


Story at: http://spaceref.com/astronomy/hubble-sees-a-smiling-gravitational-lens.html
 
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Likes   Reactions: Soundmike, davenn, wabbit and 1 other person
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You do realize that looks basically the same as your avatar, right, Andy?
 
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Now we have the face to go along with the finger of god, only hand, arm and torso left to find.
 
VERY cool. Thanks for posting.
 
Cute:smile:

You might tempt me to make an avatar out of this:)
 
wabbit said:
Cute:smile:

You might tempt me to make an avatar out of this:)

Well, here are 3 you can choose from

1) as is
2) closer in and w/ upper right arc removed
3) same as 2 but w/ distracting background spots removed.
smile1.jpg
smile2.jpg
smile3.jpg
 
OMG the wabbit avatar is in trouble... Thanks:)
 
  • #10
wabbit said:
OMG the wabbit avatar is in trouble... Thanks:)
Actually, I like the wabbit better because my avatar eats wabbits :smile:

[actually, my avatar wouldn't have eaten a live wabbit even if it had bit him on the nose]
 
  • #11
Well hello from outer space...:smile:

Now now mr dog are you going to eat this?

Edit: it really is sppoky, I think I'll revert to the wabbit pretty soon or I'll get nightmares...
 
Last edited:
  • #12
wabbit said:
Well hello from outer space...:smile:

Now now mr dog are you going to eat this?

Edit: it really is sppoky, I think I'll revert to the wabbit pretty soon or I'll get nightmares...
I sent the pic to several friends and the first response I got the guy said it looked creepy. Guess I'm missing something ... I just see it as incredibly nifty.

Oh, and no, I'm got going to try swallowing something that big, so you're safe as long as you keep it :smile:
 
  • #13
phinds said:
Oh, and no, I'm got going to try swallowing something that big:

There are probably a few black holes in there too, so digestion might be troublesome :)
 

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