A Cosmic Optical Illusion (IMAGE)
Caption
Gravitational lensing results in "photocopying" this single galaxy into three different images (labeled A1, A2, and B) This optical illusion is confirmed by analyzing spectra of these three images (see inset in upper left), which tells us that all three images are of the same object in the distant universe. The curve indicates the level of turbulence in the galaxy's gas stirred up as a result of the intense star formation. The colors represent different speeds and turbulence levels of the gas (left and right insets, respectively). Data taken with the IRAM radiointerferometer.
Credit
Nicole Nesvadba/IAS
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