cosmic structures
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, which pulls together gas, dust, and dark matter over billions of years. The distribution of these structures is not uniform, leading to vast voids and dense regions in the cosmos.
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 dark matter, while vast empty spaces, or voids, separate them. Understanding these structures helps scientists learn about the universe's evolution and the forces that shape it.