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Cosmological concept · Cosmology

The Cosmic Web

Cosmology & UniverseEstablished Science

Definition

The vast network of filaments and voids into which galaxies and dark matter are organised on the largest scales.

Scientific overview

On scales of hundreds of millions of light-years, matter is arranged in a web of dense filaments and sheets surrounding enormous nearly-empty voids, with galaxy clusters at the intersections. Galaxy surveys and simulations reveal the same structure.

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Sources & references

The primary and reference sources this topic draws on.

  • 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.

  • ESOEuropean Southern Observatory

    Southern-hemisphere observatory data and imagery (VLT, ALMA partner).