The term "Einstein's rings" typically refers to a phenomenon known as gravitational lensing, which was predicted by Einstein's theory of general relativity. Gravitational lensing occurs when the path of light from a distant source is bent or distorted by the gravitational field of a massive object, such as a galaxy or a cluster of galaxies. This distortion can create a ring-like or arc-like appearance around the massive object.
When Einstein formulated his theory of general relativity in 1915, he realized that gravity could bend the path of light. However, it wasn't until 1919, during a total solar eclipse, that an experiment was conducted to test this prediction. The British astrophysicist Arthur Eddington led an expedition to Principe Island and Sobral, Brazil, where they observed the bending of starlight around the Sun during the eclipse. The results of this experiment supported Einstein's prediction and garnered significant attention, leading to widespread acceptance of his theory.
So, while Einstein did not directly observe gravitational lensing or the specific phenomenon known as Einstein's rings, his theory of general relativity provided the theoretical foundation for predicting and understanding such phenomena. Subsequent observations and experiments have since confirmed the existence of gravitational lensing and the appearance of ring-like structures around massive objects, validating Einstein's predictions.
Therefore, Einstein's contribution to the understanding of gravitational lensing and the subsequent confirmation of his theory through observations make the concept of Einstein's rings a scientific reality rather than a realm of mythology.