This is the animation of the final stages of a merger between two black holes. What is particularly interesting about this animation is that it highlights a phenomenon known as Gravitational Lensing.
Mass bends Light. What?
Yeah, mass can bend Light. The gravitational field of a really massive object is super strong. And this causes light rays passing close to that object to be bent and refocused somewhere else.
The more massive the object, the stronger its gravitational field and hence the greater the bending of light rays - just like using denser materials to make optical lenses results in a greater amount of refraction.
Here’s an animation showing a black hole going past a background galaxy.
This effect is one of the predictions of Einstein’s Theory of General Relativity
PC: cfhtlens, Urbane Legend
Tonight please pray for all the innocent lives that will be lost in Syria due to the airstrike decision which has been agreed upon.
my possible career choices: cloud flower
You can love the man and each of his hands. / Love the brine and the meat and all the tiny ruins.
Jeanann Verlee, from “Polyamory, with Knives” (via lifeinpoetry)
NASA Voyager Probe Experiences Three ‘Tsunami Waves’ in Interstellar Space
Kung fu nuns of Nepal.
Via Pinterest
The study of the galaxies reveals a universal order and beauty. It also shows us chaotic violence on a scale hitherto undreamed of. That we live in a universe which permits life is remarkable. That we live in one which destroys galaxies and stars and worlds is also remarkable. The universe seems neither benign nor hostile, merely indifferent to the concerns of such puny creatures as we.
Carl Sagan, Cosmos (via vagogh)
"To awaken my spirit through hard work and dedicate my life to knowledge... What do you seek?"
229 posts