What are gravitational lenses?

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    Gravitational Lenses
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SUMMARY

Gravitational lenses are astronomical phenomena where massive objects, such as galaxies or clusters of galaxies, bend the light from more distant objects due to their gravitational field. The discussion references an image released by NASA that illustrates this effect, showcasing two bright stars and a galaxy with a prominent star at its center. The phenomenon allows astronomers to study the structure of the universe and the distribution of dark matter. Key examples include the bending of light from distant stars by closer massive objects.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of general relativity and its implications on light and gravity
  • Familiarity with astronomical imaging techniques
  • Basic knowledge of galaxy formation and structure
  • Awareness of NASA's astronomical resources and publications
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of general relativity and its role in gravitational lensing
  • Explore NASA's resources on gravitational lensing and related astronomical phenomena
  • Study specific case studies of gravitational lenses, such as the Einstein Cross
  • Learn about the impact of gravitational lensing on dark matter research
USEFUL FOR

Astronomers, astrophysics students, and anyone interested in the study of cosmic structures and gravitational effects in the universe.

kiru
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What are gravitational lenses?
 
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Look here: http://zebu.uoregon.edu/~soper/Mass/gravlens.html
 
Last edited by a moderator:
I saw the page that you gave.But in the image that was released by Nasa as reality ,I can't undestand anything.
 
kiru said:
I saw the page that you gave.But in the image that was released by Nasa as reality ,I can't undestand anything.
See the two bright stars really close to each other on the left and third one a little farther away. That's really one star and some other star serving as a source of gravity. In the middle bottom part an object looks like a galaxy with a big star in the middle. That's the last example they mention. There are others but these are the most noticable.
 
Last edited:
Yes.Thanks!
 

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