A state-of-the-art strong-lensing model of MACS J0416.1−2403 with the largest sample of spectroscopic multiple images

Abstract

The combination of multi-band imaging from the Hubble Space Telescope with Multi-Unit Spectroscopic Explorer integral field spectroscopy, obtained at the Very Large Telescope, has recently driven remarkable progress in strong-lensing (SL) modeling of galaxy clusters. From a few tens of multiple images with photometric redshifts per cluster, a new generation of high-precision SL models have recently been developed by exploiting in some cases over a hundred spectroscopically confirmed multiple images and cluster member galaxies. A further step forward is expected with James Webb Space Telescope observations of SL clusters (from hundreds of multiple images to possibly a thousand). In this context, we present a new state-of-the-art SL model of the galaxy cluster MACS J0416.1−2403, utilizing 237 spectroscopically confirmed multiple images, which is the largest sample of secure multiplylensed sources utilized to date. In addition, this model incorporates stellar kinematics information of 64 cluster galaxies and the hot-gas mass distribution of the cluster, determined from Chandra X-ray observations. The observed positions of the many multiple images are reproduced with a remarkable average accuracy of 0.43 ′′ . To further assess the reliability of this lens model and to highlight the improvement over previously published models, we show the extended surface brightness reconstruction of several lensed galaxies through a newly developed forward modeling software. The comparison with other SL models of the same cluster demonstrates that this new model is better able to accurately reproduce the positions, shapes, and fluxes of the observed multiple images. In addition to a robust characterization of the total mass distribution of the cluster, our model can provide accurate and precise magnification maps that are key to studying the intrinsic physical properties of faint high-redshift lensed sources. The model is made publicly available through our newly developed Strong Lensing Online Tool (SLOT); thanks to a simple graphical interface SLOT allows astronomers (including lensing non-experts) to take full advantage of the predictive power of the model, including statistical uncertainties on the relevant quantities associated with the multiply-lensed sources.

JWST's PEARLS: Transients in the MACS J0416.1−2403 Field

“…The limits labeled with * are 5σ upper limits (appropriate for the measurements in the original image where the background is high and nonuniform), otherwise 2σ (more appropriate for the measurements in the difference images where the background is largely subtracted). The quoted magnification factors μ are the 68% confidence level intervals from Bergamini et al (2023). Detecting four transients in this arc in the four epochs is consistent with expectations for this particular arc.…”

“…These objects and their photometry are described below. Their magnification factors based on the lens model of Bergamini et al (2023, adopting their 68% confidence level intervals) are also quoted along with the photometry.…”

“…As for Table2but for the transients in the Spock arc region. The lensing magnification factors μ are fromBergamini et al (2023).…”

“…Photometry for the Transient Mothra in an Arc at z = 2.091 As for Table2but for the transient in the Mothra arc region. The lensing magnification factor μ is fromBergamini et al (2023).…”

The GLASS-JWST Early Release Science Program. III. Strong-lensing Model of Abell 2744 and Its Infalling Regions

“…The set of spectroscopic images is especially noteworthy. In more general terms, A2744 is the second cluster with the largest sample of secure multiple images after the lens cluster MACS J0416.1−2403, which currently counts 237 (Bergamini et al 2023b). For consistency, we present in Table 2 the properties (in the JWST-based astrometry) of the complete sample of multiple images used as constraints in this work, included those presented by B23.…”