The short,narrow circular arcs of light that seem to surround some galaxies are caused by
A) supernova explosions within the galaxies,the arcs representing parts of the shells of gas exploded outward by the supernova.
B) gravitational lensing by the galaxies of the light from a single,distant object very far behind the galaxy.
C) the shaping of regions of dense matter as it is attracted and condensed into the central black hole of the galaxies.
D) blue gas clouds surrounding the galaxies.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The short, narrow circular arcs of light around galaxies are known as Einstein rings and are caused by gravitational lensing. The gravity of the galaxy bends the light from a distant object behind it, creating the ring-like shape. This phenomenon was predicted by Einstein's theory of general relativity.

The Short,narrow Circular Arcs of Light That Seem to Surround