A team of astronomers has made a groundbreaking discovery, identifying the largest known structure in the universe – Quipu. This massive cosmic formation stretches 1.3 billion light-years across, containing an estimated 200 quadrillion times the mass of the Sun.
Quipu is not only massive but also holds significant importance for our understanding of the universe’s large-scale structure. Researchers have created a more complete cosmic map by analyzing galaxy clusters in their target redshift range. This new discovery joins other four superstructures, collectively containing 45% of known galaxy clusters and 25% of the universe’s matter.
The influence of such massive structures on the cosmos is profound. Their gravitational pull distorts space around them, bending light and altering astronomical observations through gravitational lensing. These formations also impact the cosmic microwave background by subtly shifting its temperature variations, introducing foreground interference that complicates the extraction of precise information about the early universe.
Despite their fleeting presence in the cosmic landscape, these superstructures are essential for studying galaxy evolution, large-scale gravitational interactions, and the effects of dark matter on cosmic formation. The discovery of Quipu marks a turning point in our understanding of cosmic architecture, providing scientists with new insights into the fundamental forces that shape the universe.
Researchers used data from surveys like the 2MASS redshift survey and Cosmic Flow velocity compilations to create their maps. They analyzed galaxy clusters using X-ray observations from surveys like CLASSIX, enabling precise mapping of cosmic structures. The team’s findings were accepted for publication in Astronomy & Astrophysics, a major milestone in cosmic cartography.
The discovery of Quipu highlights the importance of precise cosmological models and refined techniques to achieve accurate measurements. Current simulations based on the Lambda Cold Dark Matter (ΛCDM) model predict the existence of superstructures like Quipu, reinforcing the validity of this cosmological framework.
Source: https://www.thebrighterside.news/post/astronomers-discover-quipu-the-largest-known-structure-in-the-universe