Hubble Space Telescope Captures Amazing Cosmic Light Show
By Rain Jordan Apr 19, 2021 05:00 AM EDT
The galaxy cluster Abell 2813 (also known as ACO 2813) has an almost fragile elegance in this picture from the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope, which also highlights the impressive mechanics at work within it. The picture exemplifies gravitational lensing in a stunning way.
There are many distinct crescent shapes in the tiny dots, spirals, and ovals that make up the cluster's galaxies. There aren't curved galaxies but curved light arcs. They are excellent examples of gravitational lensing, a process that occurs as light bends through an object.
When the gravity of an object forces light to bend, this is known as gravitational lensing. Light from galaxies outside Abell 2813 is visible as curved crescents and "S" shapes. The galaxy cluster serves as a gravitational mirror because of its mass, bending light from more distant galaxies surrounding it. These distortions can take on a variety of forms, as long lines or arcs.
This visual proof of Einstein's theory of general relativity that mass allows light to bend is well-known.
More:
https://www.natureworldnews.com/articles/45734/20210419/cosmic-light-show-captured-hubble-space-telescope.htm