N. Bartmann (ESA/Webb), ESO/M. Kornmesser e S. Brunier, N. Risinger
There was an advance in the calculation of the gravitational bending of light; improves screening and can prevent impacts on our planet.
A scientific advance in calculation of the gravitational bending of light It could revolutionize the way we monitor celestial objects that threaten Earth.
The new equation accurately measures the angle of curvature caused by static massive objects, such as the Sun and the planets of the Solar System.
This study promises significantly improve tracking of asteroids, comets and other smaller bodiescomes out to .
uses a geometric optics model to refine the calculation of gravitational bending of light (GBL), a phenomenon that distorts the apparent position of objects in space due to gravity.
This precision allows you to predict orbits more accurately, helping to prevent potentials collisions with the Earth and locate objects with greater reliability.
In addition to planetary protection, the discovery has applications in several areas of astronomy, such as stellar dynamics and celestial mechanics.
According to , the equation can also be used to determine the exact position of distant stars, such as Proxima Centauri, and improve space missions, including ESA’s Euclid project, which maps billions of galaxies in search of dark matter.
The advancement results from refined calculations that consider finite distances and use an approach inspired by terrestrial optics, similar to the study of refraction in materials such as water.
The equation was validated by simulations and comparisons with previous formulas, such as Shapiro’s, which tests the principles of General Relativity in the Solar System.
This development not only expands security against space threats, but also represents a milestone in understanding the universe and space exploration.
