Image: Wikimedia Commons

Einstein ring

Feature seen when light is gravitationally lensed by an object

EntityQ912471

Also known as Chwolson ring · Einstein–Chwolson ring · Einstein-Chwolson ring

Subclass of: astronomical phenomenon
, gravitational mirage

Overview

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia · Read full article · Text CC BY-SA 4.0

An Einstein ring, also known as an Einstein–Chwolson ring or Chwolson ring, is created when light from a galaxy or star passes by a massive object en route to the Earth. Due to gravitational lensing, the light is diverted, making it seem to come from different places. If source, lens, and observer are all in perfect alignment (syzygy), the light appears as a ring.

Overview

All data

14 statements · 14% with external sources · numbers in brackets are citations

Named after: Albert Einstein
Theorized by: Albert Einstein
Cause: gravitational lens
Shape: annulus
Facet of: general relativity

On other databases

8 identifiers linking Einstein ring across the web's reference databases

Data quality

statements

14%

externally sourced

Source last edited October 5, 2026. AIDb refreshes this page daily.

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AIDb. (2026). Einstein ring (Q912471). Retrieved from https://aidb.si/e/einstein-ring-Q912471