A scientist, using a telescope, sees arcs of light around a galaxy. In 3–5 sentences, explain the cause of the arcs of light.(4 points)
1 answer
The arcs of light observed around a galaxy are caused by the phenomenon known as gravitational lensing. Gravitational lensing occurs when a massive object, such as a galaxy or a cluster of galaxies, bends the path of light as it travels through space. This bending of light creates distorted and magnified images of galaxies located behind the gravitational lens. These images appear as arcs due to the specific geometry and distribution of the mass causing the lensing effect.