Category: Science > Lensing
One of the most astonishing discoveries in quantum physics is the concept of "gravitational lensing," which reveals how light can be influenced by gravity, effectively bending around massive objects like stars and galaxies. This phenomenon not only supports Einstein's theory of general relativity but also illustrates an interesting intersection of light and mass. When light from a distant star passes near a massive object, such as a galaxy, the gravity of that galaxy warps the space around it, causing the light to change direction. This bending of light allows astronomers to observe distant celestial events and structures that would otherwise be hidden from view, effectively giving us a more profound glimpse into the universe's structure and the behavior of light under extreme gravitational conditions. This interplay between light and gravity not only enhances our understanding of cosmology but also opens up new avenues for research in fundamental physics.
