Deep fields & lensing
Galaxy cluster MACS j1149.5+223 and a supernova four times over
March 5, 2015 · ESA/Hubble · MACS J1149+2223
This image shows the huge galaxy cluster MACS J1149+2223 , whose light took over 5 billion years to reach us.
The huge mass of the cluster and one of the galaxies within it is bending the light from a supernova behind them and creating four separate images of it. The light has been magnified and distorted due to gravitational lensing and as a result the images are arranged around the elliptical galaxy in a formation known as an Einstein cross .
A close-up of the Einstein cross is shown in the inset.
More Hubble images of MACS J1149+2223
Third image of galaxy hosting most distant known starApril 2, 2018
Third appearance of the Refsdal supernovaDecember 16, 2015
Illustration showing gravitational lensing producing supernova imagesDecember 16, 2015
Appearance of the the Refsdal supernovaNovember 13, 2015
Galaxy cluster MACS j1149.5+223March 5, 2015
Four supernova images in an Einstein crossMarch 5, 2015
Illustration showing gravitational lensing producing four supernova imagesMarch 5, 2015Galaxy Cluster MACS J1149+2223September 19, 2012