Bonn 2020 – scientific programme

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DD: Fachverband Didaktik der Physik

DD 4: Astronomie

DD 4.2: Talk

Tuesday, March 31, 2020, 18:20–18:40, P-HS 5

The Glass "Gravitational" Lens Experiment — •Silvia Simionato — AG Fachdidaktik der Physik und Astronomie, Friedrich-Schiller Universität, Jena, Deutschland

Light deflection, in particular the gravitational lens effect, is an interesting topic, worthy of being introduced at the end of secondary school and beginning of university. This is a current and fascinating theme and it can be approached with simplified methods. Moreover, it involves many subjects treated in physics and mathematics. Therefore, it is a useful educational tool in teaching physics and mathematics using examples from astronomy, which always engage and attract most of the students.

The idea is to visualise light on curved paths under the influence of gravity. The way is to introduce this phenomenon with the help of astonishing images from the best telescopes, together with simulations performed with the software Geogebra and special glass lenses. We designed and manufactured five lenses with peculiar shapes combining general relativity and optics. They are specifically formulated to reproduce the images of any source, whose light is deflected from different types of celestial objects. Thus, it is possible to obtain in classroom gravitational lensing effects similar to those present in the universe.

Thanks to Geogebra, we will explore how many and which images is possible to have with the gravitational lensing. Then we will see how to deduce the shape of a glass lens, so that it represents a specific mass distribution and reproduces the related images. In conclusion, we will see some of our lenses in action.