Which method relies on the mass of a dark object revealing its presence?
A)asteroidal occultations
B)ring occultations
C)stellar eclipses
D)temporary brightening of a distant star by a gravity lens
E)pulsars slowing down irregularly

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The temporary brightening of a distant star by a gravity lens is known as gravitational lensing. This effect occurs when the gravity of a massive object (such as a dark object) bends and magnifies the light from a more distant object, causing it to appear brighter or distorted. By measuring the mass of the dark object based on the degree of gravitational lensing, astronomers can infer its presence. Temporary brightening of a distant star by a gravity lens, also known as gravitational microlensing, relies on the mass of a dark object revealing its presence. The lensing object (usually a massive compact halo object, or MACHO) bends the light from a background star, causing it to temporarily brighten as the light is magnified. The duration of the brightening event and the amount of magnification are related to the mass of the lensing object, allowing astronomers to estimate its mass.

Which Method Relies on the Mass of a Dark Object