Hubble observes gravitational lens of a massive galaxy cluster

An enormous galaxy cluster within the constellation Cetus dominates the middle of this picture from the NASA/ESA Hubble House Telescope. This picture is populated with a serene assortment of elliptical and spiral galaxies, however galaxies surrounding the central cluster—which is known as SPT-CL J0019-2026—seem stretched into shiny arcs, as if distorted by a gargantuan magnifying glass.

This cosmic contortion, referred to as a gravitational lens, happens when the highly effective gravitational subject of an enormous object like a galaxy cluster distorts and magnifies the sunshine from background objects. These objects would usually be too distant and faint to watch, however the magnifying energy of the gravitational lens extends Hubble’s view even deeper into the universe.

This remark is a part of an ongoing venture to fill brief gaps in Hubble’s observing schedule by systematically exploring probably the most huge galaxy clusters within the distant universe, within the hopes of figuring out promising targets for additional examine with each Hubble and the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb House Telescope. This specific galaxy cluster lies at an enormous distance of 4.6 billion light-years from Earth.