Large-Scale Structure refers to the organization of matter on the grandest scales in the universe, encompassing galaxy clusters, superclusters, filaments, and voids. It reveals the cosmic web pattern formed by dark matter and baryonic matter, providing insights into the universe's formation and evolution governed by gravitational forces and dark energy.

Large-Scale Structure

organization of matter

grandest scales

Galaxy clusters are the largest gravitationally bound structures in the universe, consisting of hundreds to thousands of galaxies along with dark matter and hot gas. They are crucial for understanding the large-scale structure of the cosmos and provide insights into the distribution and behavior of dark matter and the evolution of galaxies.

galaxy clusters

Superclusters are massive structures in the universe composed of groups of galaxy clusters, forming some of the largest known cosmic formations. They play a crucial role in the large-scale structure of the cosmos and help astronomers understand the distribution of matter and the dynamics of cosmic evolution.

superclusters

Filaments are elongated structures found in various scientific fields, from biology to physics, characterized by their thread-like appearance and function. They play crucial roles in systems such as cytoskeletal support in cells, cosmic web formation in the universe, and conductive pathways in materials science.

filaments

In various contexts, 'voids' refer to empty spaces or gaps that can exist in physical structures, legal documents, or abstract concepts, and their significance often lies in what is absent rather than what is present. Understanding voids involves examining the implications of these absences, whether in terms of structural integrity, legal validity, or philosophical meaning.

voids

cosmic web pattern

Dark matter is a form of matter that does not emit, absorb, or reflect light, making it invisible and detectable only through its gravitational effects on visible matter. It is believed to constitute approximately 27% of the universe, influencing the structure and evolution of galaxies and galaxy clusters.

dark matter

Baryonic matter is the 'normal' matter that makes up the atoms in the universe, including protons, neutrons, and electrons, and constitutes only about 5% of the universe's total mass-energy content. It is distinct from dark matter and dark energy, which together account for the remaining 95% and are not composed of baryons.

baryonic matter

universe's formation

Universe's evolution

Gravitational forces are the attractive forces between masses, which govern the motion of celestial bodies and the structure of the universe. They are described by Newton's law of universal gravitation and further refined by Einstein's general theory of relativity, which accounts for the curvature of spacetime around massive objects.

gravitational forces

Dark energy is a mysterious form of energy that is hypothesized to be responsible for the accelerated expansion of the universe, accounting for approximately 68% of the total energy content of the cosmos. Its nature remains one of the biggest unsolved problems in physics, with various theories suggesting it could be a property of space itself or a new dynamic field.

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