Gravitational Lensing Explained: Discovery of Hidden Stars Behind Galaxy Clusters
Gravitational Lensing (GL) Recent Discovery Physicists at Durham University, UK, discovered over 44 unknown stars behind a galaxy cluster using gravitational lensing. The stars were observed as they existed 8 billion years ago, during the universe's "cosmic noon." What is Gravitational Lensing? Gravitational lensing occurs when a massive object (e.g., a galaxy cluster) bends and magnifies light from distant objects behind it. The effect acts like a cosmic magnifying glass, revealing distant, faint celestial objects. Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity Mass causes spacetime to curve, and light follows the curvature of spacetime. When light passes near a massive object, it bends due to the object’s gravitational pull. Visual Effects of Gravitational Lensing Arcs and Rings: The bending of light can create arcs or complete rings (called Einstein rings) around the massive object. Multiple Images: It can also produce multiple images of the same background object. Recent S...