Einstein's cross or Q2237 + 030 or QSO 2237 + 0305 is a gravitationally lensed image of a quasar , which is located along the axis of view behind the galaxy ZW 2237 + 030. This quadruple image forms a cross with a galaxy lens in the center, so it was called the Einstein Cross, in honor of the creator of the General Theory of Relativity , which allowed to predict and explain the phenomenon of gravitational lenses .
| Einstein's Cross | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Observational data ( Age J2000.0 ) | |
| Constellation | Pegasus |
| Right ascension | 22 h 40 m 30.0 s |
| Declination | + 3 ° 21 ′ 30 ″ |
| Distance | 8 billion light years 2.5 hpc |
This quasar is located about 8 billion light-years from Earth , and the lensing galaxy is 400 million light-years, i.e. 20 times closer.
Einstein's cross can be found in the constellation Pegasus at coordinates 22h40m30s + 3d21m30s. However, for visual observation, you need a telescope with a lens diameter of at least half a meter.
Links
Galaxy ZW 2237 + 030
Hubble Snapshot