Cosmic structures refer to the large-scale formations in the universe, including galaxies, galaxy clusters, and superclusters. These structures are formed by the gravitational attraction of matter, including dark matter, which plays a crucial role in shaping the universe. The distribution of these structures is not uniform, leading to vast voids and dense regions.
At the largest scales, cosmic structures can be organized into a web-like pattern known as the cosmic web. This web consists of filaments of galaxies and clusters, interconnected by vast empty spaces. Understanding these structures helps astronomers study the evolution of the universe and the forces that govern it, such as gravity and dark energy.