How JWST is revolutionizing study of galaxy clusters

 While in its quest of revealing the unknowns of the cosmos, JWST is proving to be a game changer in the study of galaxy clusters. JWST combined with gravitational lensing is giving rise to multiple images of the same galaxies enabling researchers to examine them throughout the evolution of the universe. 

With its very first image, JWST revealed MACS0647-JD, a galaxy about 13.26 light years away from us. If the estimation regarding the Big Bang is correct, it was formed just after 427 million years after the big bang. Making it one of our most profound observations made about the universe. Due to gravitational lensing, JWST was able to capture three distinct images of the galaxy: JD1, JD2, and JD3.

 Abel 2744 GLASS

                                                

JWST vs. Hubble telescope

 Stephen's Quintet 

SDSS J1226+2152

Webb's first deep field : Image of SMACS 0723

How does gravitational lensing work?

Galaxy clusters are structures comprising of mass anywhere between 1014 to 1015 solar masses. The light from the distant galaxy is wrapped around the immense mass that stands between us and it, creating Einstein's ring., and based on the alignment of the cluster and galaxy we observe a segment of the arc of Einstein’s ring.

Now because light bends in many directions, we can see the same galaxy from multiple viewpoints, giving us images that are crisper and more informative. Just like we want it to be.

   

Gravitational Lens

image source

We have attached some of the visually spectacular images of galaxies captured by JWST. 

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-Sanskar (MS21234)