Brief
NASA shares Hubble image of galaxy cluster that looks like a smile
The image, captured in 2015, illustrates strong gravitational lensing around a distant galaxy cluster.
By Felo News Desk · Published
NASA posted on X a Hubble Space Telescope image of galaxy cluster SDSS J1038+4849 that appears to be smiling, the agency said on 12 Oct 2026.
What happened
The picture, originally taken in 2015, shows bright galaxies forming “eyes” and curved arcs that form a grin. NASA described the arcs as the result of strong gravitational lensing, where the cluster’s massive gravity bends light from more distant objects.
What the reports add
The outlet noted that astronomers use lensing as a natural magnifying glass to study faint, distant galaxies and to map dark‑matter distribution in massive clusters.
What was said
NASA wrote on X, “While observing the universe, NASA Hubble caught a galaxy cluster smiling for the camera.” A user on X joked that “Aliens have finally discovered Emojis.”
How it came about
Earlier this month Felo reported on NASA’s Roman Space Telescope first light, highlighting the agency’s ongoing focus on deep‑space imaging.
Key facts
- NASA posted a Hubble image of galaxy cluster SDSS J1038+4849 that looks like a smile (nypost.com)
- The image was originally captured in 2015 and shows strong gravitational lensing arcs (nypost.com)
- NASA described the arcs as caused by massive structures warping spacetime (nypost.com)
Sources
- [1] nypost.com — originally reported as “NASA reveals stunning image of giant ‘cosmic smile’”
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