What are Gravitational Lenses and How are They Used?

They are called gravitational lenses which are objects with a lot of mass, possessing the ability to produce the pull of gravity.

This goes back to the words of Albert Einstein, who proved to be a great teacher in the world of science, revealing an interesting way of observing the universe.

If we rely on the theory of relativity, we can define them as that object located between the source of light and the person who observes.

This element contains so much mass, that it is capable of causing the light rays to bend or deflect warping space time.

Many people wonder how scientists can observe objects that are so far away from so close. The truth is that the role of gravitational lenses is essential when this can be achieved.

The study of the use of these lenses in astrophysics has been fundamental in recent years for different aspects.

To begin with, the fact that it connects directly with gravity is an open door to study how the mass is distributed through the lens.

In addition, sometimes the image may appear much larger, which means that we are able to receive a wider amount of solar rays that pass through the object located in space.

In practice, even the furthest objects in the universe can become detectable.

Finally, the image obtained will allow us to obtain information and data of great precision on the object observed.

Without this incredible phenomenon, truly innovative instruments of a high technological level that even have not been invented so far would be required.

Understanding the use that science brings to gravitational lenses is relatively natural.

This phenomenon is used in this field of science in order to discover objects located at immense distances and then study them.

In addition, it is a way to detect extra-solar planets and serves to “shape” those objects whose high level of mass is causing deformations in space-time, although these cannot be captured by telescopes.

When it comes to studying dark matter and detecting it in space, these lenses fulfill an essential function.

Considering the role of this matter in space when it comes to the formation of structures and the evolution of galaxies.

Finally, we can affirm that a gravitational lens is a phenomenon that allows us to have a look of the universe never seen before; paving the way for study and fulfilling a fundamental role in the world of astronomy.

In this way we can know even more about the universe around us, revealing really interesting phenomena.

 

 

Source: Okdiario