This discussion questions the conventional explanation of gravitational lensing as a result of spacetime curvature. Instead, it explores an alternative view, proposing that gravitational lensing arises from momentum exchange between photons and external gravitational fields. By analysing the symmetrical behaviour of photons, such as their energy gain (blueshift) and loss (redshift) around massive objects, this perspective challenges general relativity and opens the door to quantum gravity and flat spacetime models. The discussion aims to refine our theoretical understanding of how light and gravity truly interact.
Conceptual Foundation of the Discussion:
A photon, representing light, carries inherent energy denoted as E. As the photon ascends from the gravitational well of its emission source, it loses part of this energy, resulting in a redshift (increase in wavelength, Δλ>0). However, the photon’s behaviour changes significantly when it encounters a strong external gravitational field.
As the photon approaches a strong gravitational body, it undergoes a blueshift (decrease in wavelength, Δλ<0) due to its interaction with the external gravitational field. This shift occurs as a result of electromagnetic-gravitational interaction, causing the photon to follow an arc-shaped trajectory. During this process, the photon’s momentum increases, described by the relation Δρ = h/Δλ, where h is Planck’s constant. This momentum gain reflects the gravitational influence on the photon's trajectory.
Completing half of the arc path (1/2 arc) around the gravitational body, the blueshift transitions into a redshift (Δλ>0) as the photon begins to lose momentum (Δρ=h/Δλ). This process indicates a symmetrical momentum exchange, where the photon experiences a balanced gain and loss of external energy (Eg), preserving symmetry in its overall energy behaviour.
Importantly, while the photon undergoes these external changes in wavelength, momentum, and energy during its trajectory around the gravitational body, it retains its inherent energy (E). The only exception occurs when the photon loses energy (ΔE) while escaping the gravitational well of its source. Thus, despite these external interactions, the photon’s inherent energy remains conserved, except for the loss associated with its initial emission.
After bypassing the gravitational field, the photon resumes its original trajectory, maintaining its inherent energy (E) and continuing unaffected by further gravitational influences.
Soumendra Nath Thakur added a replyDear Mr. Preston Guynn Mr. Esa Säkkinen and Mr. Julius Chuhwak MatthewThis discussion addresses the question, "Is Spacetime Curvature the True Cause of Gravitational Lensing?" and critically examines the conventional explanation, which attributes gravitational lensing to spacetime curvature. Instead, it proposes an alternative perspective in which gravitational lensing results from momentum exchange between photons and external gravitational fields. This conclusion is supported by analysing symmetrical photon behaviours, such as energy gain (blueshift) and loss (redshift) near massive objects, which reveal the actual mechanisms driving gravitational lensing—distinct from the spacetime curvature model proposed by general relativity. This discourse aims to refine our theoretical understanding of the fundamental interactions between light and gravity.The scientific foundation of this perspective, as articulated in the study "Photon Interactions with External Gravitational Fields: True Cause of Gravitational Lensing," rests on established quantum and classical mechanics principles—specifically, Planck’s energy-frequency relation E=hf and the photon momentum-wavelength relation ρ=h/λ. These equations illustrate how photons experience symmetrical energy shifts (blueshift and redshift) through gravitational interactions, offering a basis for lensing that preserves inherent photon energy and frames gravitational influence as an external, rather than intrinsic, interaction.Together, these equations suggest that momentum exchange between photons and gravitational fields effectively account for lensing effects. The study’s analyses of photon energy conservation and symmetrical behaviour near massive bodies provide an alternative mechanism for gravitational lensing, distinct from the spacetime curvature paradigm and posing a potential challenge to conventional interpretations. This discourse thus emphasizes momentum exchange over relativistic spacetime curvature, aligning with the defined scope and goals outlined in the initial discussion.For a comprehensive exploration of this study, please refer to the full text atandWarm regards,Soumendra Nath Thakur
