The largest clusters of galaxies are massive enough to produce visual distortions of distant galaxies known as “gravitational lensing”. This video demonstrates these visual effects. A scientific simulation shows the imagery that would be obtained if a nearby galaxy could pass behind a large cluster. By using a recognizable object for the distant galaxy, the effects of the gravitational lensing become more apparent.
Get more information at this blog post:
The Whirlpool Galaxy Seen Through a Cosmic Lens