Background Images From Space Images
A Cosmic Magnifying Glass
Scanning the heavens for the first time since the successful December 1999 servicing mission, NASAs Hubble Space Telescope imaged a giant, cosmic magnifying glass, a massive cluster of galaxies called Abell 2218. This hefty cluster resides in the constellation Draco, some 2 billion light-years from Earth. The cluster is so massive that its enormous gravitational field deflects light rays passing through it, much as an optical lens bends light to form an image. This phenomenon, called gravitational lensing, magnifies, brightens, and distorts images from faraway objects. The clusters magnifying powers provides a powerful " zoom lens" for viewing distant galaxies that could not normally be observed with the largest telescopes. The picture is dominated by spiral and elliptical galaxies. Resembling a string of tree lights, the biggest and brightest galaxies are members of the foreground cluster. Researchers are intrigued by a tiny red dot just left of top center. This dot may be an extremely remote object made visible by the clusters magnifying powers. Further investigation is needed to confirm the objects identity. The color picture already reveals several arc-shaped features that are embedded in the cluster and cannot be easily seen in the black-and- white image. The colors in this picture yield clues to the ages, distances, and temperatures of stars, the stuff of galaxies. Blue pinpoints hot young stars. The yellow-white color of several of the galaxies represents the combined light of many stars. Red identifies cool stars, old stars, and the glow of stars in distant galaxies. This view is only possible by combining Hubbles unique image quality with the rare lensing effect provided by the magnifying cluster. Space Image feature a selection of NASA's incredible imagery. © NASA
Media ID 635213
Hubble Space Telescope
Elliptical
Galaxies
Gravitational
Lensing
Spiral
iPhone (960x640)
Download a 960x640 pixel artwork, ideal for use as a wallpaper artwork on Apple iPhone and iPod devices.
Download artwork as Background Images and Desktop Wallpaper
These are individually made so all sizes are approximate
EDITORS COMMENTS
In this photo print, NASA's Hubble Space Telescope unveils a breathtaking cosmic magnifying glass known as Abell 2218. Situated in the constellation Draco, an astonishing 2 billion light-years away from our planet, this colossal cluster of galaxies possesses an immense gravitational field that bends and amplifies light passing through it. This extraordinary phenomenon, called gravitational lensing, grants us a remarkable "zoom lens" to observe distant galaxies that would otherwise remain hidden even to the most powerful telescopes. The image showcases a mesmerizing array of spiral and elliptical galaxies dominating the frame like radiant tree lights. Among them lies a tiny red dot just left of center top—scientists are intrigued by its potential as an incredibly remote object made visible due to the cluster's magnifying powers. Further investigation is required to confirm its true identity. Notably, this color picture reveals several arc-shaped features intricately woven within the cluster—a sight not easily discernible in black-and-white images. The vibrant hues offer valuable insights into stars' ages, distances, and temperatures within these galactic wonders. Hot young stars shimmer with blue brilliance while yellow-white tones represent the collective radiance emitted by numerous stars. Meanwhile, cool and old stars along with distant galaxy glows manifest in striking shades of red. This awe-inspiring view is only achievable through Hubble's unparalleled image quality combined with the rare lensing effect provided by Abell 2218—an astronomical marvel that continues to unravel mysteries beyond our wildest imaginations.
