A new Hubble Space Telescope image shows galaxy cluster MACS0329-0211, resembling a swarm of bees returning to their hive. In a single frame — dozens of galaxies of different types: massive oval ellipticals, thin spirals and lenticulars seen edge-on, and face-on spirals with clearly defined arms.
But the most interesting part is at the edges. In the upper-right area, faint arcs are visible — distant galaxies whose light has been bent by the cluster's gravity. This is gravitational lensing: the cluster is so massive it acts as a natural lens, magnifying and stretching images of objects behind it. The largest arc appears above a bright elliptical galaxy. And near the center — several bright curved lines resembling a distorted figure eight — likely another distant galaxy warped by the cluster's gravity.
Galaxy clusters like MACS0329-0211 serve a dual role: they are markers of the Universe's large-scale structure evolution and natural telescopes that let us see galaxies from the earliest epochs.
The image was taken with Hubble's ACS and WFC3 cameras in visible and infrared light.