Gravitational Lensing Diagram

 Gravitational Lensing Diagram

This diagram illustrates how rays of light from a distant galaxy or star can be bent by the gravity of an intervening galaxy cluster. As a result, an observer on Earth sees the distant object appear brighter than it would look if it weren't gravitationally lensed.

Credits

Image

NASA, ESA, Ann Feild (STScI), Frank Summers (STScI)