Astrophysical object
Cosmic Filament
Cosmology & UniverseEstablished Science
Definition
A thread of galaxies and dark matter stretching between clusters, forming the strands of the cosmic web.
Scientific overview
Filaments are the largest thread-like structures in the Universe, channelling galaxies and gas between clusters and bounding the great voids. They contain much of the 'missing' ordinary matter as warm-hot intergalactic gas.
Related topics
Knowledge connections
- Part ofThe Cosmic Web
- Related toSupercluster
- Related toThe Cosmic Web
- Related toCosmic Void
- Related toSupercluster
- Related toCosmic Void
- Associated withThe Sloan Great Wall
Sources & references
The primary and reference sources this topic draws on.
- ESOEuropean Southern Observatory
Southern-hemisphere observatory data and imagery (VLT, ALMA partner).
- NASANational Aeronautics and Space Administration
Mission data, planetary science, space telescopes, and public-domain imagery.
Most NASA-produced imagery is in the public domain; individual items are checked for usage terms before publication.