Strong and weak lensing united. III. Measuring the mass distribution of the merging galaxy cluster 1ES 0657-558

The galaxy cluster 1ES 0657-558 (z = 0.296) is remarkably well suited for addressing outstanding issues in both galaxy evolution and fundamental physics. We present a reconstruction of the mass distribution from both strong and weak gravitational lensing data. Multicolor, high-resolution HST ACS images allow detection of many more arc candidates than were previously known, especially around the subcluster. Using the known redshift of one of the multiply imaged systems, we determine the remaining source redshifts using the predictive power of the strong-lens model. Combining this information with shape measurements of weakly lensed sources, we derive a high-resolution, absolutely calibrated mass map, using no assumptions regarding the physical properties of the underlying cluster potential. This map provides the best available quantification of the total mass of the central part of the cluster. We also confirm the result from Clowe and colleagues that the total mass does not trace the baryonic mass.