Astrophysical object
Supercluster
Cosmology & UniverseEstablished Science
Definition
A vast grouping of galaxy clusters and groups, among the largest structures in the Universe.
Scientific overview
Superclusters are loose collections of galaxy clusters spanning hundreds of millions of light-years, forming the nodes and ridges of the cosmic web. The Milky Way belongs to the Laniakea Supercluster.
Related topics
Knowledge connections
- Part ofThe Cosmic Web
- Related toLarge-Scale Structure
- Related toGalaxy Cluster
- Related toThe Cosmic Web
- Related toLarge-Scale Structure
- Related toGalaxy Cluster
- Related toCosmic Filament
- Related toCosmic Filament
- Associated withLaniakea Supercluster
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).