Gravitatieverschuiving

Gravitatieverschuiving, also known as gravitational lensing, is a phenomenon predicted by Albert Einstein's theory of general relativity. It occurs when a massive object, such as a galaxy or a cluster of galaxies, bends the path of light from a more distant source that passes by it. This bending of light acts like a lens, distorting, magnifying, and sometimes creating multiple images of the background object.

The amount of bending depends on the mass of the lensing object and the proximity of the light's path to its center. The more massive the object and the closer the light passes, the stronger the gravitational lensing effect. This effect can range from subtle distortions in the shape of distant galaxies to the formation of complete rings of light known as Einstein rings.

Astronomers use gravitational lensing as a powerful tool for studying the universe. It allows them to observe objects that would otherwise be too faint or too distant to see. By analyzing the way light is bent, scientists can also map the distribution of dark matter, a mysterious substance that makes up a significant portion of the universe's mass but does not emit light. Furthermore, gravitational lensing can be used to measure the masses of celestial objects with great accuracy and to study the expansion rate of the universe. The precise observation of these lensing effects provides crucial evidence supporting the validity of general relativity.