Features
ISBN Number: 9783540665069
Written by: Schneider, Peter
Written by: Ehlers, Jurgen
Written by: Schneider, P.
Written by: Falco, E. E.
Written by: Schneider, Peter
Written by: Falco, Emilio E.
Published by: Springer
Location: Berlin
Subject: Astrophysics & Space Science
Subject: Astronomy
Subject: Gravitational lenses
Subject: Astronomy, General
Edition Number: Study ed.
Edition Description: Study
Series: Astronomy and Astrophysics Library
Series Volume: HCFA pub.
Date of Publication: November 1999
Cover Type: Paperback
Written in: English
Illustrations: Yes
Number of Pages: 560
Book Size: 1053x714x187 181
Light observed from distant objects is found to be deflected by the gravitational field of massive objects near the line of sight - an effect predicted by Einstein in his first paper setting forth the general theory of relativity, and confirmed by Eddington soon afterwards. If the source of the light is sufficiently distant and bright, and if the intervening object is massive enough and near enough to the line of sight, the gravitational field acts like a lens, focusing the light and producing one or more bright images of the source. This book, by renowned researchers in the field, begins by discussing the basic physics behind gravitational lenses: the optics of curved space-time. It then derives the appropriate equations for predicting the properties of these lenses. In addition, it presents up-to-date observational evidence for gravitational lenses and describes the particular properties of the observed cases. The authors also discuss applications of the results to problems in cosmology. Synopsis:
This monograph describes comprehensively and in sufficient detail both the theory and observation of gravitational lensing, an effect that is of growing importance for astronomical observations and cosmological modelling. This book is the first monograph (outside the USSR) on this topic.
