Hubble Space Telescope Captures an Elusive Galaxy Cluster
Hubble Space Telescope Captures an Elusive Galaxy Cluster
According to the news shared by the European Space Agency Hubble Space Telescope Captures an Elusive Galaxy Cluster
A manager of interesting astronomical finds can be seen in this image from the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope. In addition to several large elliptical galaxies, a ring-shaped galaxy lurks to the right of the image. A pair of bright stars can also be seen on the left of the image, notable for their colorful diagonal diffraction spikes. This collection of astronomical curiosities is the ACO S520 galaxy cluster in the constellation Pictor, captured by Hubble’s Advanced Camera for Surveys.
ACO S520 represents one of a series of Hubble observations looking for large, bright galaxy clusters that have not been captured by previous surveys. Taking advantage of the occasional gaps in Hubble’s busy schedule, astronomers have captured images of these barely discovered galaxy clusters, revealing numerous interesting targets for further study with Hubble and the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope.
Galaxy clusters are among the largest known objects in the universe. Studying these objects can provide insight into the distribution of dark matter, the mysterious matter that makes up most of a galaxy cluster’s mass.
European Space Agency (ESA)
The European Space Agency (ESA) is an intergovernmental organization that is responsible for coordinating and promoting space exploration and research in Europe. ESA was established in 1975 and has its headquarters in Paris, France.
ESA’s main objectives are to carry out scientific research in space, develop new space technologies, and promote collaboration among European countries in space exploration. It has 22 member states and cooperates with many other countries around the world.
ESA operates a wide range of missions, including Earth observation, astronomy, planetary science, and human spaceflight. Some of its most well-known projects include the Huygens probe that landed on Saturn’s moon Titan, the Rosetta mission that landed a spacecraft on a comet, and the ExoMars mission that is searching for signs of life on Mars.
ESA is also involved in developing new space technologies and applications. It is responsible for developing the Galileo satellite navigation system and is working on new technologies for human spaceflight, such as the development of a reusable spacecraft.
Overall, ESA plays a significant role in space exploration and research, and its work has helped advance our understanding of the universe and the development of new technologies.
Cover photo ESA / Hubble & NASA, H. Ebeling
