About This Image
This massive cluster of galaxies is MACS J1149.6+2223. In this image, light from a distant supernova appears in four different places. The multiple supernova images are created as the exploding star's light is bent by the powerful gravity of a large galaxy in the cluster.
Scientific Significance
MACS J1149.6+2223 is central to strong-lensing cosmology and transient prediction studies. Its lens configuration constrains cluster-scale mass models and magnifies high-redshift galaxies.
Observation Details
Hubble deep and time-series imaging captured arcs, cluster members, and transient evolution, providing astrometric constraints for robust lens-model fitting.
Location in the Universe
Constellation
Leo
Distance from Earth
5 billion light-years
Fun Facts
- 1
MACS J1149 produced multiple lensed images of a distant supernova.
- 2
It is one of the best-known strong-lensing clusters in deep-field programs.
- 3
Its lensing signal is dominated by dark matter distributed across the cluster.
Image credit: NASA, ESA, Hubble Space Telescope
