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

(phys.org)
268 points wglb | 1 comments | 16 Nov 24 16:48 UTC | HN request time: 0.215s | 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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1. waltbosz ◴[17 Nov 24 15:07 UTC] No.42164539[source]▶
I love that my pondering comment generated so much discussion. Much more technical than I can fathom.

Another thought that occurred to me, we humans are short lived and trying to think about the length of time such a message would take to travel far exceeds out lifetime. Even the thought of humanity lasting that long is difficult. But imagine if there were intelligent life forms that lived a single life on galactic timescales. To them, this discussion of sending a message that reached someone wouldn't be so pessimistic.