Whilst the success of detecting microlensing events is a fantastic observational achievement, accurate constraints on the lensing population probably requires an order of magnitude more detections. We have known for 35 years about the existence of Quasars, that produce vast amounts of energy from distant galaxy nuclei. Relativistic jets are often seen emerging perpendicular to the proposed major axis of the accretion disk. In their own reference frame, in one case, the radio jets move at 0.92 x the speed of light. Ongoing simulataneous X-ray, Infrared and Radio observations suggest that the jets emerge when the inner accretion disk matter disappears through the event horizon of the black hole.
Clusters are massive, and depending on their shape, can focus background light in a variety of ways.
Until very recently this was the most distant object yet found. Its spectra suggests high star formation rates and large gaseous outflows consistent with other starburst galaxies. This is a synopsis of talks I gave at the Wellington Astron.