Simulated Galaxy Cluster View
Explanation:
Stunningly detailed, this picture is a
computer simulated view
of a
cluster of galaxies
in the
distant cosmos.
A large, elliptical galaxy dominates this hypothetical cluster's
central region surrounded by a swarm of member galaxies.
Other galaxies which lie far behind the cluster are seen as numerous
visible
concentric arcs -
lensed by the enormous
gravitational field
dominated by the
dark matter
within the cluster itself.
Such magnificent images are expected to be achieved by the
Advanced
Camera for Surveys (ACS), one of
the upgrades
being installed on the
Hubble Space Telescope during the
ongoing servicing mission.
Compared to Hubble's workhorse
Wide Field Planetary Camera 2
(WFPC2), whose achievements include the current
deep
field views of the Universe, the new technology ACS
will be twice as sharp an imager with twice the
field of view and five times the sensitivity.
Along with extended views of the distant cosmos,
enthusiastic astronomers also plan to use the ACS to monitor
our own
Solar System and to search for
planets orbiting stars beyond the Sun.
Authors & editors:
Robert Nemiroff
(MTU) &
Jerry Bonnell
(USRA)
NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings,
and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris.
Specific
rights apply.
A service of:
LHEA at
NASA /
GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
