Shaw-IAU Workshops by the OAE

Gravitational lensing is one of the most fascinating phenomena predicted by general relativity. When light from distant astronomical sources travels through the warped space-time around massive objects, its path is bent, resulting in a variety of striking visual effects. This presentation introduces the physical principles underlying gravitational lensing and explores its most captivating manifestations. These include image multiplication, the distortion and magnification of background sources, and the ability to map the invisible distribution of dark matter. The presentation also discusses the time delay experienced by light as it traverses gravitational potentials, a property that allows us to measure cosmological parameters such as the Hubble constant. Finally, a set of didactical experiences is proposed to help students and educators replicate lensing effects using simple optical tools. Gravitational lensing is not only a window into the dark Universe but also an accessible and inspiring topic for education and outreach.