Astronomers have discovered a stunning example of an Einstein ring, formed by a rare cosmic illusion captured by the Hubble Space Telescope. The phenomenon, known as gravitational lensing, has revealed a galaxy from 11 billion years ago, providing insights into the early universe’s structure and evolution.
According to NASA, the discovery showcases the layered complexity of deep-space structures, with the Einstein ring acting as a natural magnifying glass. A massive nearby galaxy acts as a colossal lens, bending light around it and creating a glowing loop. The alignment of the distant galaxy, lensing galaxy, and observer is rare, making this find all the more remarkable.
The discovery was made possible through citizen science project SPACE WARPS, which invites volunteers to examine astronomical images and help locate gravitational lenses. This public participation has led to dozens of new discoveries, including this visually stunning example.
Observing distant objects like HerS 020941.1+001557 allows astronomers to study galactic evolution near the dawn of time, providing clues about how the earliest galaxies formed and merged. The galaxy’s light, magnified by gravitational lensing, offers a level of detail that would otherwise be impossible to achieve.
This discovery also highlights the power of crowdsourcing in modern astronomical discovery, demonstrating that cutting-edge space science is no longer confined to observatories and research labs – it’s a collaborative frontier powered by curiosity and shared exploration.
Source: https://dailygalaxy.com/2025/05/an-11-billion-year-old-galaxy-reappeared