Quasar & Deep Galaxy Field

Obtained during the commissioning and system verification phase of GMOS, the Gemini Multi-Object Spectrograph, this Gemini Deep Field image is centered on the z=4 quasar QSO PMN2314+0201. The final image is the result of a combination of several frames taken with g', r' and i' filters. The colors represented in this image indicate the different ages of stars within the galaxies as well as the stretching of light toward the red end of the spectrum as it travels across the expanding universe. Because of the filters used, and the fact that this is an RGB composite image, the quasar and some other red objects appear green. This image will be used to identify objects for which spectroscopy will be later obtained on Gemini. The large 8-10m class ground-based telescope can deliver much deeper (x10) spectroscopic data than HST that is limited by its 2.4 m aperture.

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Full Resolution TIF (14.63 MB)

Medium Resolution JPG (201.22 KB)

Link to wallpaper.

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