Spectrum of arc in cluster 1ESO657-558 (z=3.23)

This chart displays the spectrum of the most prominent gravitational arc in the galaxy cluster 1ES 0657-558, as obtained at VLT UT1 with the FORS1 instrument in December 1998. The total exposure time was 1.5 hours. It shows absorption lines of hydrogen (Lyman-alpha and Lyman-beta) as well as lines of silicium, oxygen carbon and iron. From the measured wavelengths, the redshift of the arc is determined as z = 3.23. An earlier, much less accurate photometric redshift estimate (from the observed colours) is confirmed and refined by this spectral observation. Star forming galaxies at lower redshifts have very similar spectra. It is therefore concluded that this arc is the gravitationally distorted image of a distant galaxy caught in its formation stage, when the Universe was only about 2 billion (2,000 million) years old.

Crédit:

ESO

À propos de l'image

Identification:eso9920w
Type:Observation
Date de publication:27 février 1999
Communiqués de presse en rapport:eso9920, eso9919
Taille:2997 x 1902 px

À propos de l'objet

Nom:1ES 0657-558, Spectrum
Type:Early Universe : Galaxy : Grouping : Cluster
Distance:z=3.23 (redshift)
Catégorie:Galaxy Clusters

Formats des images

Grand JPEG
596,2 Kio
JPEG taille écran
128,2 Kio

Couleurs & filtres

DomaineTélescope
VisibleVery Large Telescope
FORS1