The arcs of light observed around the galaxy are likely the result of gravitational lensing, a phenomenon predicted by Einstein's theory of general relativity. When the massive galaxy acts as a lens, it bends and distorts the light from more distant objects behind it, creating arcs or multiple images of those background galaxies. The strength of this effect increases with the mass and density of the foreground galaxy, amplifying the light and making the distant objects more visible. This phenomenon not only provides insight into the distribution of dark matter within the lensing galaxy but also allows astronomers to study the distant 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
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