33-787 Gravitational Lensing

12 units, Carnegie Mellon University

Gravitational lensing is an emerging field that touches many aspects of modern astronomy from extrasolar planets to cosmology. This course will start from the basic equation that governs all lensing phenomena the lens equation and work through many current and future applications including multiply imaged objects, time delays, extrasolar planets, dark matter in the Galaxy, magnification, microlensing, extrasolar planets, galaxy shape distortions, masses from shapes, cosmic shear, and lensing of the cosmic microwave background. A strong background in calculus is required. Previous courses in one of astronomy, cosmology, general relativity, and math methods would be helpful but are not required.

Prerequisites: none listed

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