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The bending of light around a large distribution of matter, such as a cluster of galaxies is known as gravitational lensing. Gravitational lensing occurs due to the curving of space-time caused by a massive gravitational field caused by either by a large distribution of matter, such as a galaxy cluster or a black hole.

This curving of space-time causes light rays passing through to bend around the gravitational center. A very large amount of matter is needed in order for the lensing effect to occur, typically in the range of a hundred to a thousand galaxies. The bending caused by a single star would be negligible.

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11y ago

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Stars look like points of light because of their immense distance from Earth. They are so far away that they appear as single points of light, rather than as large, distinct objects. Earth's atmosphere also causes light from stars to twinkle, further enhancing the point-like appearance.

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9mo ago
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Stars appear as curved lines as they have a trail of energy around them.

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12y ago
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Because Stars are so far away...

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12y ago
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Q: Why do stars look like points of light?
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Continue Learning about Astronomy

When you look up in the sky why do you see dots not stars?

When looking up at the sky, you see dots instead of stars because stars are extremely far away and appear as tiny points of light due to the vast distances involved. The Earth's atmosphere and light pollution also scatter and block much of the light emitted by stars, making them appear as dots or points of light.


Why are stars so small in the sky?

Stars appear small in the sky because they are incredibly far away from Earth. Despite being huge in size, the vast distances between the stars and us make them look like tiny points of light when we observe them from Earth.


Why do planets like Venus look so bright in the night sky if they do not emit light?

there are certain times when those planets... like venus..... are in an alignment with the sun and the sun's light... letting those planets REFLECT the same light the stars do...... the sun's light...... without the sun's light..... the stars too would be dark ^^


What causes stars to look smaller than they really are?

Stars appear smaller than they really are due to their immense distance from Earth. The light from stars gets spread out over a large area as it travels through space, making them appear as tiny points of light in the night sky. This phenomenon is known as angular size reduction.


What do stars look like when viewed through a telescope?

Oh, isn't that just the most beautiful sight? Stars, when viewed through a telescope, sparkle like little diamonds against the velvet-black sky. They shimmer and twinkle, showering us with their ethereal glow, reminding us of the vastness and wonder of the universe. Just imagine painting those magnificent celestial treasures on a mesmerizing night sky canvas.