A very rare gravitational lensing phenomenon will occur in 2028, according to a team of French astronomers led by Pierre Kervell of the National Center for Scientific Research in France. This will allow earthlings to make an unprecedented check for the presence of planets in nearby star systems.
After analyzing archival data collected on the basis of observations of the European Southern Observatory telescope complex, scientists were able to almost accurately determine the exact trajectory of the Alpha Centauri star system and calculate the optimal values for observing it and neighboring stars until 2050.
At the same time, the so-called gravitational lensing, which, according to astronomers’ calculations, should occur in 2028, is of particular importance. According to this factor, light emanating from a distant star hidden by a more massive star in the foreground will begin to move along a distorted trajectory, the variations of which will change depending on the gravity of the object in the foreground. It is in 2028 that the star Alpha Centauri A will act as a gravitational lens, which will allow you to see another star – S5 in a much larger magnification.
In addition, astronomers indicate that in May 2028 other space objects can be observed in detail, such as, for example, the bright Einstein ring around the star Alpha Centauri A and the planet of this star system.
Sources: Phys
