Mysterious question mark in space: Lensing reveals rare galaxy phenomenon

Live Science reports that scientists using the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) have discovered two distant galaxies that appear to be arranged in a specific shape. From a distance, they resemble a giant question mark.

In the search for what remains undiscovered in space, scientists have already encountered signals that some believed to be attempts at contact sent by an alien civilization. However, it was recently revealed that the so-called "Wow!" signal turned out to be something entirely different—a rare phenomenon caused by a strong flare.

Space remains a mystery, continually posing new questions. The roles have reversed, as now space has a question for humanity. NASA astronomers discovered something via the JWST that looks like a giant question mark.

– Inquisitive aliens are probably not responsible for this. It is more likely caused by a rare form of a common cosmic phenomenon known as gravitational lensing – according to a statement from NASA.

The discussion involves two galaxies that have, due to the mentioned phenomenon, formed a shape suggesting the universe has a question for us. Although scientists are familiar with this effect and understand how to explain it, it remains very rare. – We know of only three or four occurrences of similar configurations in the universe, said Guillaume Desprez from Saint Mary’s University in Nova Scotia, who is responsible for analyzing the telescope image. He adds that "this discovery is exciting" because of the significant rarity of this phenomenon.

So, when does gravitational lensing occur? This phenomenon happens when the gravity of a massive foreground object (such as a galaxy) bends the light of objects behind it – according to Live Science. The effect can make the area seen from Earth appear magnified, distorted, or even multiplied.

In the case of the latest observation, scientists say it is a cluster of galaxies named MACS-J0417.5-1154, which distorts and magnifies a pair of galaxies far behind it. Additionally, a galaxy forming the bottom dot of the mentioned question mark shape was found beneath the cosmic question mark. Astronomers report that the lensed galaxies in the photo are 6.9 billion kilometres away from Earth and originate from a period when the universe was about half its current age. At that time, many galaxies were taking shape and expanding.