Hubble Space Telescope Captures Spectacular Galaxy Cluster Merger

NASA's Hubble Space Telescope has released a breathtaking new image featuring galaxy cluster CL0016+1609 (also known as MACS J0018.5+1626). Extraordinarily luminous in X-ray wavelengths, this cluster is one of the most thoroughly studied objects in both X-ray and radio astronomy.

Two Galaxy Clusters in the Process of Merging

X-ray observational data reveals that CL0016+1609 is, in fact, two galaxy clusters merging along our line of sight — a remarkable astronomical phenomenon. To study this merger in greater detail and understand CL0016+1609's role in large-scale cosmic structure, researchers requested time on Hubble's Advanced Camera for Surveys to conduct dedicated observations.

The resulting data is helping scientists precisely map the cluster's dark matter distribution. While Hubble cannot directly observe dark matter, its infrared and visible-light observations can detect the gravitational lensing effects that dark matter exerts on ordinary matter.

The RELICS Survey: 300 High-Redshift Galaxy Candidates Identified

The dataset from this image also incorporates observations made with Hubble's Wide Field Camera 3 as part of a landmark survey program. That program produced Hubble's first-ever infrared images of 46 massive galaxy clusters, searching for distant galaxies magnified by gravitational lensing.

Known as RELICS (Reionization Lensing Cluster Survey), the program discovered approximately 300 high-redshift galaxy candidates magnified by the gravitational lensing effect of foreground clusters.

Gravitational Arcs Visible in the Image

In the image, a thin, elongated vertical arc is visible to the left of the large central elliptical galaxy — the lensed and magnified appearance of a distant background galaxy. Additionally, a second, brighter but shorter arc can be clearly seen to the upper right of the central elliptical galaxy.

Image Credit: NASA, ESA, H. Ebeling (University of Hawaii), D. Coe (STScI, ESA, JWST); Image Processing: G. Kober (NASA/Catholic University of America)

Media Contact: Claire Andreoli, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD

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