Produced by: Mohsin Shaikh
NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) captured a galaxy formation resembling a question mark, caused by gravitational lensing.
Representative pic
The “Question Mark Galaxy” results from light bending due to the massive gravity of galaxy clusters, creating a distorted optical illusion.
Credit: NASA
The red, dusty galaxy forming the upper loop of the question mark was invisible to Hubble but revealed by JWST’s infrared capabilities.
Representative pic
A nearby white spiral galaxy adds a glow to the “curve,” while an unrelated third galaxy creates the “dot,” forming the complete question mark shape.
Credit: NASA
Predicted by Einstein’s general relativity, gravitational lensing bends light across billions of light-years, revealing warped cosmic images.
Representative pic
Researchers suggest the question mark’s parts represent two galaxies stretched and warped by gravitational forces into their intriguing shape.
Credit: NASA
Understanding these galaxies’ structures and star formations will deepen astronomers’ knowledge of galactic evolution throughout cosmic history.
Representative pic
The phenomenon serves as both a scientific discovery and a reminder of the interplay between gravity, matter, and light in shaping the universe.
Representative pic
The Question Mark Galaxy highlights humanity’s restless curiosity and JWST’s capability to unlock the secrets of the cosmos.