The arcs of light observed around a galaxy are typically caused by gravitational lensing, a phenomenon predicted by Einstein's theory of general relativity. When a massive object, such as a galaxy or cluster of galaxies, lies between a distant light source and an observer on Earth, its gravitational field bends the light from the distant source. This bending causes the light to warp and form arcs or rings around the foreground object. The strength and shape of these arcs can provide valuable information about the mass distribution of the lensing galaxy and the structure of the universe.
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)
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