Astronomers find 2 galaxies aligned where their gravity acts as a compound lens
An international team of astronomers discovered two galaxies acting as a compound lens, enhancing light from a quasar, which may improve measurements of the Hubble constant and understanding of gravitational lensing.
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An international team of astronomers has identified a unique astronomical phenomenon involving two galaxies that are aligned in such a way that their combined gravitational effects create a compound lens. This discovery, detailed in a paper on the arXiv preprint server, builds on previous research that demonstrated how galaxies can bend light, a concept rooted in Einstein's theory of general relativity. The researchers initially believed they were observing a single elliptical galaxy distorting light from a quasar. However, after two years of data analysis, they discovered variations in the quasar's imagery and identified additional light sources that were ultimately traced back to the same quasar. Utilizing data from the James Webb Space Telescope, they confirmed the presence of a second lensing galaxy, which was initially misidentified as an Einstein ring. The team constructed a computer model to validate their findings, which they believe could enhance the precision of calculations regarding the Hubble constant, potentially resolving ongoing debates about its value.
- Astronomers discovered two galaxies acting as a compound lens, enhancing light from a quasar.
- The finding challenges previous assumptions about the nature of the observed light sources.
- Data from the James Webb Space Telescope played a crucial role in confirming the second lensing galaxy.
- The research may improve measurements of the Hubble constant, addressing existing discrepancies.
- This discovery adds to the understanding of gravitational lensing in the universe.
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- Several commenters express curiosity about the mechanics and implications of gravitational lensing, including its potential to enhance measurements of the Hubble constant.
- There is a discussion about the theoretical aspects of gravitational lensing, including the idea of Earth being in the focal point of other gravitational lenses.
- Some users highlight the uniqueness of the discovery, noting the rarity of two galaxies acting as a lens and the potential for future discoveries.
- Technical questions arise regarding the terminology used in the article, with some commenters seeking clarification on the nature of the lensing effect.
- There are suggestions for future research and technology development to exploit gravitational lensing more effectively.
13 commentsAlso, imagine having the technology to send signals through the lens and get the attention of intelligent life on the other side.
Underlying paper: https://arxiv.org/abs/2411.04177
https://www.universetoday.com/149214/if-we-used-the-sun-as-a...
Seriously, we could build that, it's at the limit of our tech but if it was either we walk on the moon again or build SGL, I'd pick SGL
Can we then find more lensing with even more compounding on purpose instead of accidentally if we sift existing data for such dupes?
... so that ...
> ... "acts as a compound lens" ...
Not really -- not the sort of lens we're familiar with, one that concentrates light at a single focus. Technical methods can exploit these chance alignments to detect objects otherwise inaccessible, but not as coherent images.
I often see remarks like this one -- "Acts as a compound lens!" -- but that's not correct. It's more like this: https://arachnoid.com/relativity/graphics/curvature_diagram....
Such alignments are more likely to produce what's called an "Einstein ring" (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Einstein_ring). Very useful, but not remotely a "compound lens".
See Figure 7 in (https://arachnoid.com/relativity/index.html#General_Relativi...) for an interactive gravitational lens simulator.
Q: We seem to want to use our sun for GL experiments. And that requires sending something out 500 AU out for focal length purposes. My question is somewhat theoretical so assume there are no alignment issues for the following thought. Are we not already at the "focal point/line" of some other 'entities' (sun/heavy body/galaxy/etc) gravitational lens?
Hmm... is that what this paper is talking about - the fact that the GL observation was made from Earth on some infinite focal length. Listening to other YT videos on the topic seemed to imply the resolution would be much higher. Or is the resolution location/technology related?
How would a compound lens lead to a better estimate of the expansion rate of the universe?
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