Hubble has photographed a massive cluster of galaxies 2.6bn light years from Earth that could help in the study of dark matter

By: Maksim Panasovskiy | 17.08.2023, 12:45

The James Webb Space Observatory is a major provider of data from space. However, the Hubble telescope doesn't waste any time either. It recently photographed a massive cluster of galaxies.

Here's What We Know

The observed object is called 2MASX J05101744-4519179. The massive cluster of galaxies is located at a distance of about 2.6 billion light years from our planet in the constellation Pictor.

Scientists believe that such observations will help them learn more about dark matter. It represents an invisible part of our universe. Dark matter does not emit light, but it is capable of exerting a gravitational influence on ordinary matter.

2MASX J05101744-4519179 and similar objects act as space telescopes based on gravity. Through gravitational lensing, they help you get a better look at what's behind you.

Hubble was able to image a massive cluster of galaxies thanks to two third-generation instruments. The telescope used the Advanced Camera for Surveys (ACS) and the Wide Field Camera 3 (WFC3).

Source: esahubble