Cosmic Filament: Large-Scale Structure of the Universe

Category: Space and Astronomy

UPSC Notes

Cosmic filaments are enormous thread-like structures made up of galaxies, gas and dark matter. They form part of the cosmic web, the large-scale arrangement of matter in the universe.

Structure of the cosmic web

  • Filaments: Thread-like concentrations of matter and galaxies.

  • Nodes: Regions where multiple filaments meet, often containing galaxy clusters.

  • Voids: Vast regions with relatively low matter density.

  • Sheets and walls: Broad, interconnected structures of galaxies and matter.

Gravity drives the growth of these structures from small density variations in the early universe. Dark matter plays a major role in shaping the cosmic web, while ordinary gas flowing along filaments can contribute to galaxy growth.

Key Pointers for UPSC

  • Cosmic filaments are measured on enormous, intergalactic scales.

  • They are associated with large-scale structure formation.

  • Dark matter is inferred mainly through its gravitational effects.

  • Cosmic filaments are not individual stars, planets or conventional solid threads.

  • The study of the cosmic web helps astronomers investigate galaxy evolution and the distribution of matter in the universe.