Gravitational lensing

What is it?

• This is a phenomenon that occurs when a huge amount of matter, such as a massive galaxy or cluster of galaxies, creates a gravitational field that distorts and magnifies the light from objects behind it, but in the same line of sight.
• In effect, these are natural, cosmic telescopes; they are called gravitational lenses.
• These large celestial objects will magnify the light from distant galaxies that are at or near the peak of star formation.
• The effect allows researchers to study the details of early galaxies too far away to be seen otherwise with even the most powerful space telescopes.

Prelims Question

Consider the following statements regarding Gravitational lensing:
1.It is a phenomenon that occurs when a gravitational field that distorts and magnifies the light from objects behind it.
2.It can be used for studying cosmic bodies.
Which among the above statements is/are correct?
(a)1 only
(b)2 only
(c)Both 1 and 2
(d)Neither 1 nor 2

Answer to the Prelims Question