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This is one of the first images captured by the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST).
Courtsey of NASA - Full ackowledgement must go to NASA and the Space Telescope Science Institute' (STScI).
It is very much appreciated being able to use this iconic image.
This is available in all three widths (18", 32" and 48") and is virtually a square image. It comes in Acrylic, Aluminium and Framed Backlit all limited editions.
What is the image??
Thousands of galaxies flood this near-infrared image of galaxy cluster SMACS 0723. High-resolution imaging from NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope combined with a natural effect known as gravitational lensing made this finely detailed image possible.
First, focus on the galaxies responsible for the lensing: the bright white elliptical galaxy at the center of the image and smaller white galaxies throughout the image. Bound together by gravity in a galaxy cluster, they are bending the light from galaxies that appear in the vast distances behind them. The combined mass of the galaxies and dark matter act as a cosmic telescope, creating magnified, contorted, and sometimes mirrored images of individual galaxies.
Clear examples of mirroring are found in the prominent orange arcs to the left and right of the brightest cluster galaxy. These are lensed galaxies – each individual galaxy is shown twice in one arc. Webb’s image has fully revealed their bright cores, which are filled with stars, along with orange star clusters along their edges.
Not all galaxies in this field are mirrored – some are stretched. Others appear scattered by interactions with other galaxies, leaving trails of stars behind them.
Webb has refined the level of detail we can observe throughout this field. Very diffuse galaxies appear like collections of loosely bound dandelion seeds aloft in a breeze. Individual “pods” of star formation practically bloom within some of the most distant galaxies – the clearest, most detailed views of star clusters in the early universe so far.
One galaxy speckled with star clusters appears near the bottom end of the bright central star’s vertical diffraction spike – just to the right of a long orange arc. The long, thin ladybug-like galaxy is flecked with pockets of star formation. Draw a line between its “wings” to roughly match up its star clusters, mirrored top to bottom. Because this galaxy is so magnified and its individual star clusters are so crisp, researchers will be able to study it in exquisite detail, which wasn’t previously possible for galaxies this distant.
The galaxies in this scene that are farthest away – the tiniest galaxies that are located well behind the cluster – look nothing like the spiral and elliptical galaxies observed in the local universe. They are much clumpier and more irregular. Webb’s highly detailed image may help researchers measure the ages and masses of star clusters within these distant galaxies.
Courtsey of NASA
(Full ackowledgement must go to NASA and the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI). It is very much appreciated being able to use this iconic image.
JWST Image of SMACS 0723
This beautiful image captured from deep space is available as limited edition, unique wall art. Standard sizes range from 18″ to 48″ width. Choose from either Acrylic, giving a modern glass-like look or the stunning Framed and Backlit option. Or now the more affordable Fine Art Print range. I deliver worldwide. All images and types make a stunning centre piece in any room. To see examples of these images in situ, please go to INSPIRATION