By ESA / Hubble June 19, 2022
Image from the Hubble Space Telescope of the massive galaxy cluster Abell 1351. Credit: ESA / Hubble & NASA, H. Ebeling, Recognition: L. Shatz
The massive galaxy cluster Abell 1351 was captured in this image by NASA / ESA’s Hubble Space Telescope 3 and the Advanced Exploration Camera. This galactic cluster is located in the constellation Ursa Major in the northern hemisphere.
This image is filled with streaks of light, which are actually images of distant galaxies. Stripes are the result of gravitational lenses, an astrophysical phenomenon that occurs when a massive celestial body like a galaxy cluster distorts space-time strongly enough to affect the path of light passing through it – almost as if light passes through a giant lens. Gravitational lenses come in two varieties – strong and weak – both of which can give astronomers an idea of the distribution of mass in a lenticular galaxy cluster, such as Abell 1351.
This observation is part of an astronomical album that includes snapshots of some of the most massive galaxy clusters. This menagerie of massive clusters demonstrates interesting astrophysical phenomena such as a strong gravitational lens, as well as showing spectacular examples of violent evolution of galaxies.
To get this astronomical album, astronomers have proposed a snapshot program to be included in Hubble’s busy observation schedule. These snapshot programs are lists of individual, relatively short exposures that can fit into gaps between longer Hubble observations. Having a large set of candidates for snapshots to dive into allows Hubble to use every second of possible observation time and maximize the observatory’s scientific results.
Add Comment