In the context of astronomy, what is the phenomenon of gravitational lensing?a)The distortion of a planets magnetic fieldb)The bending of light due to gravity, caused by massive objectsc)The rotation of a galaxy around its centerd)The interaction of charged particles in a nebulaCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

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In the context of astronomy, what is the phenomenon of gravitational lensing?

a)
The distortion of a planet's magnetic field
b)
The bending of light due to gravity, caused by massive objects
c)
The rotation of a galaxy around its center
d)
The interaction of charged particles in a nebula

Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

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In the context of astronomy, what is the phenomenon of gravitational l...

Gravitational lensing is a phenomenon in which the gravitational field of a massive object, such as a galaxy or a black hole, bends the light coming from a more distant object behind it. This bending of light is a consequence of Einstein's theory of General Relativity.
When a massive object, like a galaxy or a black hole, is situated between a distant light source (e.g., another galaxy or a quasar) and an observer, its gravitational field acts as a lens.
The massive object's gravitational field warps the spacetime around it. As light travels through this curved spacetime, it bends, following the curvature caused by the massive object's gravity.
Depending on the alignment of the observer, the massive object, and the distant light source, gravitational lensing can result in multiple images of the background object. These images may appear as distorted arcs, rings, or even multiple copies of the same object.
Gravitational lensing has been observed and confirmed through various astronomical observations. One famous example is the gravitational lensing effect around massive galaxy clusters, where the lensing can magnify and distort background galaxies.
In some cases, individual stars within a galaxy can act as gravitational lenses. This phenomenon, known as microlensing, can be used to detect objects like exoplanets, which might otherwise be challenging to observe directly.
Gravitational lensing provides a powerful tool for astronomers to study the distribution of mass in the universe, including dark matter, and to investigate distant objects that might otherwise be too faint or distant to observe directly.
Hence option (b) is the correct answer.

Answered by Notes Wala · View profile

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In the context of astronomy, what is the phenomenon of gravitational lensing?a)The distortion of a planets magnetic fieldb)The bending of light due to gravity, caused by massive objectsc)The rotation of a galaxy around its centerd)The interaction of charged particles in a nebulaCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

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In the context of astronomy, what is the phenomenon of gravitational lensing?a)The distortion of a planets magnetic fieldb)The bending of light due to gravity, caused by massive objectsc)The rotation of a galaxy around its centerd)The interaction of charged particles in a nebulaCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? for UPSC 2024 is part of UPSC preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the UPSC exam syllabus. Information about In the context of astronomy, what is the phenomenon of gravitational lensing?a)The distortion of a planets magnetic fieldb)The bending of light due to gravity, caused by massive objectsc)The rotation of a galaxy around its centerd)The interaction of charged particles in a nebulaCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for UPSC 2024 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for In the context of astronomy, what is the phenomenon of gravitational lensing?a)The distortion of a planets magnetic fieldb)The bending of light due to gravity, caused by massive objectsc)The rotation of a galaxy around its centerd)The interaction of charged particles in a nebulaCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?.

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