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General Discussion => Science & Nature => Topic started by: sam on December 05, 2010, 21:14

Title: Astronomy Without A Telescope – Through A Lens Darkly
Post by: sam on December 05, 2010, 21:14
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Massive galactic clusters – which are roughly orientated in a plane that is roughly face-on to Earth  – can generate strong gravitational lensing. However, several surveys of such clusters have reached the conclusion that these clusters have a tendency towards lensing too much – at least more than is predicted based on their expected mass.


http://www.universetoday.com/80339/astronomy-without-a-telescope-through-a-lens-darkly/
Title: Re: Astronomy Without A Telescope – Through A Lens Darkly
Post by: Clive on December 05, 2010, 22:33
 ;D I never thought I would see the words "Sunyaev–Zel'dovich effect" on this forum Sam! What monster have I unleashed?   :hee-hee:  It's a very good article about the innovative  (and quite desperate) methods astronomers are using to detect invisible stuff and I have to hand it to you guys who are on the cutting edge of all this.  Those who claim astrophysicists are a waste of taxpayers money really have no idea how much of an investment they are to the future of mankind.  I love the photo of that double Einstein ring.  It's almost too good to be true!   8-)
Title: Re: Astronomy Without A Telescope – Through A Lens Darkly
Post by: GillE on December 06, 2010, 00:08
I've got lots of photographs like that.  'Sfunny, but I've always been told the effect was due to scratched negatives.  Now I know the truth - I was a cutting-edge astro-physicist decades ahead of my time.

Seriously, though - interesting article, Sam :) .
Title: Re: Astronomy Without A Telescope – Through A Lens Darkly
Post by: sam on December 06, 2010, 03:07
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I love the photo of that double Einstein ring.

tis lovely isn't it.

I still can't wait until we are able to detect the epoch of reionisation, SKA science really though - that's as far back in time as we can see. So cutting edge indeed. There are moments when I'm so wrapped up in my work and the fine details that I don't think how cool it is.

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Sunyaev–Zel'dovich effect

child's play Clive :p
Title: Re: Astronomy Without A Telescope – Through A Lens Darkly
Post by: Clive on December 06, 2010, 08:44
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I still can't wait until we are able to detect the epoch of reionisation,

Ten years ago I would have said it's impossible.  How times have changed!

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child's play Clive :p

I think you got away with it!   :laugh: