Galaxies organize themselves in large and often dense groups called clusters . These structures are not only interesting for their size , but also because they permit us to translate how the entire universe has evolved through the geezerhood .
For this reason , scientists launchedFrontier Fields , a projection to take long observations of six wandflower clusters using the Hubble Space Telescope . These observations are combined with other telescope to produce the most modern views of these giants we have ever seen .
In thelatest figure releasedby NASA , we get a multi - wavelength look at two of these Frontier Fields bunch : MACS J0416.1 - 2403 and MACS J0717.5 + 3745 ( MACS J0416 and MACS J0717 for short ) . The images utilize Hubble in the visual wavelength , Chandra see for the X - ray discharge ( blue ) , and the National Science Foundation ’s ( NSF ) Jansky Very enceinte Array ( pink ) . The images show how active these clusters are merging , interacting , and inundating the intergalactic space with live petrol .
MACS J0416is actually two interact clusters about 4.3 billion light - yr from us . It has been in the center of uranologist for a long clock time , because it was n’t clear if the clusters were about to flux or had already merged . Until now .
Thanks to the combine data , published in theAstrophysical Journal , scientists were able-bodied to substantiate that the two clustering have been fascinate before the fundamental interaction . They saw that the X - ray discharge , which traces the intergalactic hot gasolene , lines up well with the bunch ’s aggregative distribution , and they are yet to separate like what materialise during interactions .
MACS J0717is the largest know gravitational lens of the eye . Its mass is spread out over such a large region of the sky that it is capable of deform space - time and magnifying objects further forth from it . The clump magnified a record of seven radio rootage , which is the highest number ever observed in a cluster .
But this is not the only characteristic going for it . The cluster looks messy and more active than MACS J0416 , with the large radio arcs evidence of shock moving ridge make by multiple collisions .
The Frontier Fields program has produced unbelievable effect and more is yet to come . In 2018 , NASA and ESA will launch the more powerful James Webb Space Telescope , which will push that frontier even further , all the way to the first galaxy .
