"Astronomers Discover Elusive 'Einstein Cross' in Rare Find"

Astronomers have discovered a rare "Einstein Cross" using the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) at Kitt Peak National Observatory. The lensing system, called DESI-253.2534+26.8843, consists of a foreground elliptical galaxy that magnifies four blue images of a background galaxy, forming a perfect Einstein Cross pattern. This discovery provides valuable insights into the early universe and demonstrates the capabilities of the MUSE instrument and computer modeling in studying gravitational lensing systems. The team aims to use these systems as cosmological tools and plans to search for supernovae in hundreds of gravitational lens systems to measure Hubble's constant.