microlensing
MY-kroh-len-sing
Definition
A technique in astronomy that detects distant objects, such as exoplanets, by using the gravitational field of a foreground star to bend and magnify light from a background source.
Etymology
The word is a combination of the prefix 'micro-', from the Greek 'mikros' meaning small, and the verb 'lensing,' referring to the light-bending effect of a lens. It was coined to describe this specific astronomical phenomenon where gravity acts like a magnifying lens.
In the news
The article describes gravitational microlensing as the primary method the Roman Space Telescope will use to hunt for thousands of exoplanets. It is significant because this approach allows scientists to detect small, Earth-like worlds that are otherwise very difficult to observe.
Nasa to launch one of the most ambitious missions of the century so far in just days
Read the full article ↗GB News