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Largest object in the universe?

Travis

Misanthrope of the Mountains
Travis
Joined
Mar 31, 2007
Messages
24,133
So a multigalactic structure 4 billion light years across.

Rather mind blowing.

http://www.ras.org.uk/news-and-pres...iscover-the-largest-structure-in-the-universe

"While it is difficult to fathom the scale of this LQG, we can say quite definitely it is the largest structure ever seen in the entire universe. This is hugely exciting – not least because it runs counter to our current understanding of the scale of the universe."
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There's nothing like Astronomy. It gives us the tools to (try to) grasp the incomprehensible size of things.

As you say, mind blowing.
 
Just a thought, but given the elongated shape of this LQG, would it not be possible that it is two separate LQGs that have moved into proximity with each other? That would explain the size, and leave current theories in place.

I guess they'd have to determine direction of movement. Determine what direction quasars at opposite ends of this cluster are moving. If they're moving in a generally consistent direction, that would indicate they're part of the same 'object'. If they're moving in very different directions, that would indicate they're two different groups.
 
Wolfman said:
Just a thought, but given the elongated shape of this LQG, would it not be possible that it is two separate LQGs that have moved into proximity with each other? That would explain the size, and leave current theories in place.

I guess they'd have to determine direction of movement. Determine what direction quasars at opposite ends of this cluster are moving. If they're moving in a generally consistent direction, that would indicate they're part of the same 'object'. If they're moving in very different directions, that would indicate they're two different groups.
Click to expand...

By "proximity" I assume you mean that these are two or more objects which happen to be in the same line of sight as viewed from Earth. The Cosmological Principle says that there simply hasn't been enough time since the Big Bang for single objects of this size to form. Obviously, if it exists and isn't a line-of-sight coincidence, that must not be the case. This'll be an interesting theoretical challenge, to say the least.
 
Very cool. Although it seems futile to even try to grasp the scale- sort of like saying, "imagine the largest thing you possibly can, then imagine something even bigger!"
 
So many plebs claiming this as an example that science should reconsider it's wrong about creationism. I'm losing hope, quickly, someone say $h** that skeptics say. Quote me some Sagan, I am fading,....
 
Halfcentaur said:
So many plebs claiming this as an example that science should reconsider it's wrong about creationism. I'm losing hope, quickly, someone say **** that skeptics say. Quote me some Sagan, I am fading,....
Click to expand...

This is a great opportunity to watch the scientific process in action. We see something that, under present theory, can't exist. But there it is. Obviously, theory is wrong. We need a better theory*. Someone will come up with one, and we'll revise our understanding of the universe accordingly.

* - "Goddidit" is not a better theory.
 
The beauty of ideology is that it doesn't change to fit the facts.

Of course that leads to some inadequate feelings regarding things that do.

Hence the glee they take in something unexpected being found.

Of course they are rather mystified that actual scientists are also pretty excited.
 
We used to have two of these. I left one in cyberspace. I think the other is still out back somewhere.
 
Could the existence of a nearby active Quasar be a trigger that activates a Quasar in another galaxy? If this is possible then the structures themselves are not changing but rather only the state within the existing structure is changed. Such reactions could be rippling across large regions of the known universe as long as the galaxy density is high enough.
 
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