Discovered a new galaxy lens magnifying a distant supernova

Schematic illustration of the magnification by a galaxy. A massive object between us and the supernova bends light rays much as a glass lens can focus light. As more light rays are directed toward the observer than would be without the lens, the supernova appears magnified. (Credit: Kavli IPMU)

A team of researchers led by Robert Quimby at the Kavli Institute for the Physics and Mathematics of the Universe (Kavli IPMU) has announced the discovery of a galaxy that magnified a background, Type Ia supernova thirtyfold through gravitational lensing. This is the first example of strong gravitational lensing of a supernova confirms the team’s previous explanation for the unusual properties of this supernova.

More at IPMU: COSMIC ILLUSION REVEALED: GRAVITATIONAL LENS MAGNIFIES SUPERNOVA

arXiv: Detection of the Gravitational Lens Magnifying a Type Ia Supernova