The Einstein Cross

The Einstein Cross and the galaxy that causes this 'cosmic mirage', as seen with the FORS instrument on ESO's Very Large Telescope. This cross-shaped configuration consists of four images of a single very distant source. The multiple images are a result of gravitational lensing by a foreground galaxy, an effect that was predicted by Albert Einstein as a consequence of his theory of general relativity. The light source in the Einstein Cross is a quasar approximately ten billion light-years away, whereas the foreground lensing galaxy is ten times closer. The light from the quasar is bent in its path and magnified by the gravitational field of the lensing galaxy.

Oikeudet:

ESO/F. Courbin et al

Kuvasta

Tunnistus:eso0847a
Tyyppi:Havainto
Julkaisupäivä:12. joulukuuta 2008
Vastaavat julkaisut:eso0847
Koko:1024 x 1024 px

Kohteesta

Nimi:Einstein Cross, Gravitational Microlensing
Tyyppi:Unspecified : Galaxy : Activity : AGN : Quasar
Unspecified : Galaxy : Type : Gravitationally Lensed
Constellation:Pegasus
Kategoria:Quasars and Black Holes

Kuvaformaatit

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Kokoruudun JPEG
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Koordinaatit

Position (RA):22 40 30.30
Position (Dec):3° 21' 30.38"
Field of view:1.70 x 1.70 arcminutes
Suuntaus:Pohjoinen on 0.0° vasen pystysuuntaan nähden

Värit ja suotimet

KaistaTeleskooppi
OptinenVery Large Telescope
FORS1