A Newtonian pre-introduction to gravitational lenses

dc.creatorGarel, T.
dc.date2003-11-10
dc.date2004-05-17
dc.date.accessioned2026-07-07T09:24:37Z
dc.date.available2026-07-07T09:24:37Z
dc.descriptionUnderstanding the deflection of light by a massive deflector, as well as the associated gravitational lens phenomena, require the use of the theory of General Relativity. I consider here a classical approach, based on Newton's equation of motion for massive particles. These particles are emitted by a distant source and deflected by the gravitational field of a (opaque) star or of a (transparent) galaxy. The dependence of the deviation angle $D$ on the impact parameter $b$, and the geometry of the (source, deflector, earth) triplet, imply that different particle trajectories may reach an earth based observer. Since $D(b)$ does not depend on the mass of the particles, it is tempting to set the particles' velocity equal to the speed of light to get a (Newtonian) flavor of gravitational lenses phenomena. Orders of magnitude are obtained through a non technical approach and can be compared to the General Relativity results.
dc.descriptionRevised version; sumbmitted to Eur.J. Phys
dc.identifierhttps://arxiv.org/abs/physics/0311038
dc.identifierhttp://arxiv.org/abs/physics/0311038
dc.identifierEur. J. Phys. 25, 771 (2004)
dc.identifierdoi:10.1088/0143-0807/25/6/009
dc.identifier.urihttp://salesiana.dossiersoluciones.com/handle/123456789/156159
dc.subjectPhysics Education
dc.titleA Newtonian pre-introduction to gravitational lenses
dc.typetext

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