James Webb Space Telescope spots first 'Einstein Zig-zag'
Astronomers using the James Webb Space Telescope discovered the first "Einstein zig-zag," revealing a quasar six times, aiding measurements of the Hubble constant and dark energy, addressing the Hubble tension.
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Astronomers using the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) have discovered the first "Einstein zig-zag," a unique gravitational lensing phenomenon where a single quasar appears six times in one image. This configuration, resulting from the alignment of two galaxies, allows for more precise measurements of cosmological parameters, particularly the Hubble constant and dark energy. The quasar, designated J1721+8842, was initially identified in 2017 but the JWST's sensitivity revealed its complex lensing nature. The discovery is significant as it could help resolve the "Hubble tension," a discrepancy in the measured expansion rate of the universe. The alignment of the galaxies is exceptionally rare, estimated to occur in only one out of 50,000 lensed quasars. The research team is now working on models to utilize this unique lensing system to refine measurements of the Hubble constant and dark energy, which are typically difficult to determine simultaneously. The findings highlight the potential of the JWST in advancing our understanding of the universe, although future searches for similar configurations may require different observational strategies.
- The James Webb Space Telescope has discovered the first "Einstein zig-zag," revealing a quasar six times in one image.
- This phenomenon could help address the Hubble tension and improve measurements of dark energy.
- The unique alignment of two galaxies is estimated to occur in only one out of 50,000 lensed quasars.
- The discovery enhances the potential for precise cosmological measurements, which are typically challenging to obtain simultaneously.
- Future searches for similar gravitational lensing configurations may require different observational tools beyond the JWST.
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