Gravitational Lensing Calculator
Gravitational Lensing
Calculate the Einstein ring radius and deflection angle for gravitational lensing caused by a massive foreground object bending light from a distant source.
Formula
Einstein Ring Radius = sqrt(4GM x Dls / (c^2 x Dl x Ds)); Deflection Angle = 4GM / (c^2 x b)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is gravitational lensing?
Gravitational lensing occurs when the gravity of a massive foreground object bends and magnifies light from a more distant background source, as predicted by general relativity.
What is an Einstein ring?
An Einstein ring appears when the source, lens, and observer are perfectly aligned. The light from the source is bent equally in all directions around the lens, forming a complete ring.
What can gravitational lensing reveal?
Gravitational lensing is used to measure the mass of galaxy clusters, detect dark matter, discover distant galaxies, and even find exoplanets through microlensing events.