SCIENTIFIC VISUALIZATION OF PHOTON RING FORMATION AND IMAGING

The photon ring is a key feature predicted by general relativity. It is a narrow ring formed of multiple images of the matter orbiting the black hole. Recent advances in radio astronomy, such as the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT), have made imaging the regions where the photon rings form increasingly relevant. This thesis aims to develop a scientifically accurate and pedagogically effective visualization of physics underlying the photon ring, utilizing ray-tracing simulations to model photon trajectories around rotating black holes. Emphasis is placed on clarity and accuracy to support public outreach and educational contexts. These renderings provide intuitive insights into relativistic light bending and observational challenges of detecting such features. The visualizations developed here serve as tools for science communication and a foundation for future interactive platforms exploring black hole imaging.