When we say that a cluster of galaxies is acting as a gravitational lens,what do we mean?
A)It magnifies the effects of gravity that we see in the cluster.
B)It is an unusually large cluster that has a lot of gravity.
C)It bends or distorts the light coming from galaxies located behind it.
D)The overall shape of the cluster is that of a lens.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When a cluster of galaxies acts as a gravitational lens, it bends or distorts the light coming from galaxies located behind it. This is due to the cluster's mass warping the fabric of space-time, causing light to follow a curved path. This effect can create magnified and distorted images of the background galaxies, making them appear larger and making their shapes appear stretched or distorted.

When We Say That a Cluster of Galaxies Is Acting