astronomers discover compound lens system
Astronomers Unlock the Mystery of Compound Gravitational Lensing by Two Galaxies
Introduction of Gravitational Lensing
Astronomers from an international team have discovered two galaxies aligned in a way that their gravitational forces create a compound lens. Their study has been published on arXiv.
Previous Research on Gravitational Lensing
Gravitational Lensing: Gravitational Lensing occurs when the gravitational field of a massive object, like a galaxy, bends light from a more distant object, such as a quasar.
Previous Research: Earlier investigations have identified galaxies or galaxy clusters bending light in alignment with predictions from Einstein's general relativity. Astronomers observe that such lenses imperfectly distort the light behind them in intriguing patterns.
Discovery of a Compound Lens
Elliptical Galaxies as Lenses
Elliptical galaxies have been observed by some researchers to function as lenses, amplifying the light form objects behind them.
What is a Compound Lens?
A compound lens consists of two lenses. In artificial lenses, the lenses are bonded to counteract each other's dispersion. In astronomy, this lens naturally forms when two galaxies align precisely in space, creating a more complex lensing effect.
Groundbreaking Study: Two Galaxies as Compound Lenses
In this groundbreaking study, the team identified, for the first time, two galaxies whose alignment enables their gravitational forces to act as a compound lens.
A compound lens, as implied by its name, consists of two lenses. Artificially created ones are bonded together to counteract each other's dispersion. In astronomy, such a lens forms naturally when two galaxies align precisely.
Case Study: J1721+8842
Initial Observations of J1721+8842
When J1721+8842 was first identified, researchers thought a solitary elliptical galaxy was distorting light from a background quasar.
Extended Study Reveals Light Fragment Variations
A two-year study, however, revealed image variations and seemingly duplicated light fragments.
Closer examination revealed that the additional light fragments matched the main quartet, confirming all six originated from the same source. Previous research suggested such imagery could result from a natural compound lens.
Verifying the Compound Lens
Role of the James Webb Space Telescope
Using additional data from the James Webb Space Telescope, researchers determined that a reddish ring, previously thought to be an Einstein ring, was a second lensing galaxy.
Confirmation via Computer Modeling
They verified this findings by constructing a computer model, confirming the compound lens.
Implications of the Discovery
Refining Calculations of the Hubble Constant
The research team anticipates that their findings will enable other scientists to refine calculations of the Hubble constant, potentially resolving the ongoing debate about its true value.
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Labels: Astronomical Discovery, Astronomy, Astronomy Research, Astrophysics, Einstein Ring, Gravitational Astrophysics, Gravitational Lensing, Hubble Constant, James Webb Space Telescope
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