Astronomers have learned to distinguish millions of cosmic "voids" and are finally able to ask: what is inside them? It turns out that there is actually nothing inside.
This was reported by the Universe Today (UT) portal.
Cosmic voids are vast regions of space that are almost devoid of galaxies and matter. The average density of matter in them is only about 20% of the average density of the universe. For comparison, if all matter—stars, planets, gas, dark matter—were distributed evenly throughout the observable universe, there would be only one hydrogen atom per cubic meter. Inside the voids there is even less.
However, they are not completely lifeless. They contain small dwarf galaxies with thin filaments of gas stretching between them. Computer models show that even these voids have a complex structure; smaller "bubbles" are hidden within larger ones, a fractal-like pattern that extends deep into space.
However, if you go deep enough, you can reach regions devoid of anything: no galaxies, no gas, no visible light. You can wait there for millions of years before even an atom passes by.
Astronomers like to compare such regions with deserts. life there is possible, but rare and hidden. However, voids are more than just gaps between galaxies; they are an important part of the cosmic structure. They help us understand how matter and dark energy are distributed throughout the Universe.
If the Solar System were to move into the depths of one of these voids, the sky would be completely black. Only the Sun, the Moon, and the planets would remain, without any stars. According to the authors, such an isolated civilization would never have discovered other galaxies or even the idea of an infinite Universe.
Translation by Euromedia24.com
