Voids

Definition

Voids are vast, empty regions in the universe with very few galaxies. They are significant in understanding the large-scale structure of the cosmos.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Voids can range from 10 to over 100 million light-years in diameter.
2. They were first discovered in the late 20th century through galaxy redshift surveys.
3. Voids account for about 80% of the volume of the known universe.
4. They are surrounded by walls, filaments, and clusters of galaxies.
5. The existence of voids supports the theory of cosmic inflation.

Review Questions

• What are voids and why are they important in astronomy?
• How do voids relate to the large-scale structure of the universe?
• What percentage of the universe's volume do voids occupy?

Related terms

Galaxy Cluster:

A group of galaxies held together by gravity, often found surrounding voids.

Cosmic Web:

The large-scale structure of the universe consisting of filaments, walls, and voids.

Redshift Survey: An astronomical survey that measures galaxy redshifts to map their distribution in space.