Webb astronomers have unveiled a breathtaking image captured by the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope, showcasing MACS J1149.5+2223 (MACS J1149), a cosmic collection of hundreds of galaxies situated about 5 billion light-years from Earth in the constellation Leo. The latest images not only highlight the cluster’s brilliant galaxies but also illustrate how their immense gravitational forces uniquely affect the fabric of space-time.
The stunning image of the galaxy cluster MACS J1149.5+2223. Image credits: NASA / ESA / CSA / Webb / C. Willott, National Research Council Canada / R. Tripodi, INAF-Astronomical Observatory of Rome.
The latest Webb image of MACS J1149 dramatically showcases light from background galaxies, which is bent and magnified in a remarkable phenomenon known as gravitational lensing. This creates elongated arcs and distorted shapes, revealing the mass of both clusters.
“The immense gravity of this galaxy cluster does more than hold the galaxies adrift in the universe,” the Webb astronomers explained in a statement.
“As light from galaxies beyond the cluster travels toward our telescope over billions of years, its trajectory through space-time is warped by the gravitational forces of the intervening galaxies.”
This gravitational lensing effect is evident throughout the image of MACS J1149, with galaxies appearing stretched into narrow streaks and others morphing into unusual shapes. A prime example of gravitational lensing can be seen near the image’s center, just below the prominent white galaxy.
In this area, a galaxy with spiral arms has been transformed into a shape resembling a pink jellyfish. This peculiar galaxy once harbored the farthest single star ever identified and a supernova that appeared four times simultaneously.
This remarkable image of MACS J1149 is part of the Canadian NIRISS Unbiased Cluster Survey (CANUCS) program.
“This program employs Webb’s advanced instruments to explore the evolution of low-mass galaxies in the early Universe, shedding light on their star formation, dust content, and chemical makeup,” the astronomers stated.
The data collected will also assist researchers in studying the epoch of reionization, when the first stars and galaxies illuminated the universe, mapping mass distributions in galaxy clusters, and understanding how star formation diminishes within cluster environments.
Source: www.sci.news
