Gravitational lensing angle equation

In summary, the conversation pertains to a diagram with three stars - two on the left representing the apparent and true positions of a star as viewed from Earth, and one in the center representing the Sun. The individual is looking for an equation to calculate the angle by which light is deflected in the diagram. A suggestion is made to check the Wikipedia article on gravitational lensing for the relevant formula.
  • #1
scupydog
101
0
Hello.

In the attached a diagram there are 2 stars on the left, the upper star is the apparent position as veiwed from Earth and the lower star the true position. The central star is the Sun

Could anyone give or direct me to an equation for the angle by which the light is deflected aº in the attached diagram.
 

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  • #2
scupydog said:
Hello.

In the attached a diagram there are 2 stars on the left, the upper star is the apparent position as veiwed from Earth and the lower star the true position. The central star is the Sun

Could anyone give or direct me to an equation for the angle by which the light is deflected aº in the attached diagram.

See the Wikipedia article on "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gravitational_lensing" ". The relevant formula appears in the section "Explanation in terms of space-time curvature".
 
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  • #3
Thx for your reply Johnathan, i never thought to look on there. lots of interesting stuff.
 

Related to Gravitational lensing angle equation

1. What is the gravitational lensing angle equation?

The gravitational lensing angle equation is a mathematical formula used to calculate the deflection of light rays by a massive object, such as a galaxy or a black hole, due to the bending of space-time caused by its gravitational field.

2. How is the gravitational lensing angle equation derived?

The equation is derived from Einstein's theory of general relativity, which describes the relationship between gravity and the curvature of space-time. It takes into account the mass and distance of the lensing object, as well as the distance between the observer and the lens.

3. What is the significance of the gravitational lensing angle equation?

The equation allows scientists to accurately predict and measure the effects of gravitational lensing, which can be used to study and understand the properties of distant objects in the universe. It also provides evidence for the existence of dark matter, as the observed lensing effects cannot be explained by visible matter alone.

4. Can the gravitational lensing angle equation be used to study the properties of black holes?

Yes, the gravitational lensing angle equation has been used to study the properties of black holes, as their massive gravitational fields can produce strong lensing effects. By measuring the distortion of light from distant objects behind a black hole, scientists can estimate its mass and size.

5. Are there any limitations to the gravitational lensing angle equation?

While the equation is a powerful tool for studying the effects of gravitational lensing, it does have some limitations. It assumes a static and spherically symmetric lensing object, which may not always be the case. It also does not take into account the effects of other astrophysical phenomena, such as dark energy, which can also contribute to the observed lensing effects.

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