Intergalactic Mass

Astronomers have mapped the cosmic “scaffold” of dark matter upon which stars and galaxies are assembled. (…)

The map of dark matter distribution confirms that galaxy clusters are located within clumps of this invisible material.

These clumps are connected via bridges of dark matter called filaments. The clumps and filaments form a loose network - like a web. (…)

“In the next decade, I think most studies of the Universe’s large-scale structure will be dark matter structure studies. In this sense, I think galaxies will be relegated to a secondary role.”

The product of data from ground-based telescopes and nearly 1,000 hours of Hubble observations has produced what one astronomer calls “beautiful confirmation” of the cold dark matter theory, a leading explanation of cosmic structure evolution.

ARTICLE [“Hubble makes 3D dark matter map”] (BBC via BLDGBLOG)