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Einstein Cross

Coordinates: Sky map 22h 40m 31.0s, +03° 21′ 30.3″
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This article is about a specific multiply-imaged quasar named "The Einstein Cross". For the general concept of Einstein crosses, see gravitational lens.
QSO 2237+0305
Observation data (Epoch J2000)
ConstellationPegasus
Right ascension22h 40m 30.3s
Declination+3° 21′ 31″
Redshift1.695
Distance8,000,000,000 ly (2,500,000,000 pc)
TypeLeQ
Apparent dimensions (V)less than 2"
Apparent magnitude (V)16.78
Other designations
LEDA 69457, Z 378-15
See also: Quasar, List of quasars

The Einstein Cross or Q2237+030 or QSO 2237+0305 is a gravitationally lensed quasar that sits directly behind ZW 2237+030, Huchra's Lens. Four images of the same distant quasar appear around a foreground galaxy due to strong gravitational lensing.[1][2]

The quasar's redshift indicated that it is located about 8 billion light years from Earth, while the lensing galaxy is at a distance of 400 million light years. The apparent dimensions of the entire foreground galaxy are 0.87x0.34 arcminutes[citation needed], while the apparent dimension of the cross in its centre accounts for only 1.6x1.6 arcseconds.

The Einstein Cross can be found in Pegasus at 22h 40m 30.3s, +3° 21′ 31″.

Amateur astronomers are able to see some of the cross using telescopes but it requires extremely dark skies and telescope mirrors with diameters of 18 inches (46 cm) or greater.[3]

The individual images are labelled A through D (i.e. QSO 2237+0305 A), the lensing galaxy is sometimes referred to as QSO 2237+0305 G.

Hubble space telescope captures Einstein Cross.

See also

References

  1. ^ NASA and ESA (September 13, 1990). "The Gravitational Lens G2237 + 0305". HubbleSite. Retrieved July 25, 2006.
  2. ^ Drakeford, Jason; Corum, Jonathan; Overbye, Dennis (March 5, 2015). "Einstein's Telescope - video (02:32)". New York Times. Retrieved December 27, 2015.
  3. ^ Crinklaw, Greg. "Focus on Einstein's Cross". Retrieved 2013-06-29.


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