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Two galaxies aligned in a way where their gravity acts as a compound lens

(phys.org)
268 points wglb | 2 comments | 16 Nov 24 16:48 UTC | HN request time: 0s | source
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waltbosz ◴[16 Nov 24 19:38 UTC] No.42158640[source]▶
One fun thing think about is that these two galaxies are only aligned from our perspective in the universe. Viewed from a different location, and they're just two normal galaxies.

Also, imagine having the technology to send signals through the lens and get the attention of intelligent life on the other side.

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dmead ◴[16 Nov 24 21:03 UTC] No.42159314[source]▶
Thats probably not happening at that scale. I know this is the premise of interstellar communication in the three body problem. It's not real.
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jajko ◴[16 Nov 24 21:07 UTC] No.42159339[source]▶
Not really, its premise is using our Sun, not some lens composed of 2 galaxies (that would probably misalign well before our signal would reach them), not sure how you came up with such an idea.
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1. dmead ◴[16 Nov 24 21:36 UTC] No.42159566[source]▶
Using things at that scale to talk? It's not a thing in either case.
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2. syndicatedjelly ◴[17 Nov 24 03:48 UTC] No.42161844[source]▶
This Wikipedia page suggests otherwise - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gravitational_lens