Mass map of galaxy cluster MCS J0416.1–2403 using strong and weak lensing

This image shows the galaxy MCS J0416.1–2403, one of six clusters targeted by the Hubble Frontier Fields programme.

The varying intensity of blue haze in this image is a mass map created by using new Hubble observations combined with the magnifying power of a process known as gravitational lensing.

Strong lensing gives a much more precise indication of the mass at the cluster’s core whilst weak lensing provides valuable information about the mass surrounding the cluster core.