Gravitational Lensing and Type Ia Supernovae as Cosmological Probes

Explore the fascinating phenomenon of gravitational lensing and Type Ia Supernovae in this 50-minute astronomy talk from IISER Mohali's Astronomy Club. Discover how Einstein's general theory of relativity explains the bending of light around massive celestial bodies, creating distortions, multiplications, and magnifications of distant light sources. Learn about the groundbreaking research conducted during a summer project investigating the lensing effects on Type Ia Supernovae - powerful stellar explosions that serve as crucial "Standard Candles" for measuring astronomical distances. Delve into the fundamental principles of lensing theory, examine its specific applications to Type Ia Supernovae, and understand the profound implications these studies have for modern cosmological research and our understanding of the universe's structure and evolution.