In the above computer simulated map , caustics are discernible as the sharp bright curved lines. When a background quasar moves across a microlensing caustic, it can appear dramatically brighter . Many astronomers thought microlensing events practically immeasurable even ten years ago, but within the past five years now hundreds have been found . Precise measurements of microlensing are now providing unique information about the composition and distribution of matter in galaxies and the universe . Some astronomers now predict that future microlensing searches might even isolate planets orbiting distant stars.
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