Astronomers have revealed that the largest known structure in the universe, the Hercules-Corona Borealis Great Wall, may be even larger than previously thought. According to a recent study, this massive cosmic wall could span over 10 billion light-years, exceeding its previous estimate of 9.8 billion light-years.
Using gamma-ray bursts, incredibly luminous explosions from distant stellar explosions, scientists have mapped out the giant structure. By analyzing a dataset of 542 gamma-ray bursts from various distances, researchers led by István Horváth found that the wall stretches across an unfathomable amount of space. This discovery challenges our current understanding of cosmological models and the universe’s organization.
The Great Wall is not just a random patch of sky; it’s a vast filament of galaxy groups and clusters. Scientists have ruled out statistical errors or telescope glitches, confirming that this massive structure exists on such a large scale. If true, its implications are profound, requiring a major overhaul of our understanding of the universe and its evolution.
The discovery has sparked interest in understanding the formation of galaxies, dark matter, and the forces that shaped the universe. Gamma-ray bursts serve as unique markers for star formation, offering astronomers a tool to study parts of the universe that traditional galaxy surveys can’t reach.
Source: https://dailygalaxy.com/2025/04/universe-largest-structure-bigger-thought