The Virgo Supercluster is a large-scale structure containing approximately 200 galaxy groups, 2,500 large galaxies, 50,000 dwarf galaxies, and 200 trillion stars. It is named after the Virgo Cluster and is one of an estimated 10 million superclusters in the visible universe. The structure is mainly composed of invisible dark matter and is surrounded by large voids.
The Virgo Supercluster is a large-scale multigalactic structure approximately 200 million light-years in diameter. By comparison, the Milky Way is about 100,000 light years in diameter, 2,000 times smaller. The Milky Way, and by extension this solar system and the Earth, are part of the Local Group of galaxies, which in turn is part of the Virgo Supercluster. It is about 0.2% the size of the entire visible universe in diameter and is one of an estimated 10 million superclusters.
There are approximately 200 galaxy groups, 2,500 large galaxies, 50,000 dwarf galaxies, and 200 trillion stars in the Virgo Supercluster. It is named after the Virgo Cluster, the largest nearby galactic structure, which is the dominant gravitational force in the supercluster (and gave it its name). Other large clusters within it include the Fornax cluster and the Eridanus cluster. The Local Group is relatively small compared to these larger clusters, although the supercluster is referred to as the Local Supercluster.
The overall structure of the Virgo Supercluster is somewhat similar to the galaxies within it: a flat disk shape surrounded by a diffuse halo. The disk contains about 60% of the bright galaxies in the supercluster, while the halo contains about 40%. Like all other large-scale structures in the universe (including galaxies), this one consists mainly of invisible dark matter, which can only be detected by the gravitational influence it exerts on other matter.
This feature is found near other superclusters, such as the Pavos-Indos Supercluster, the Centaur Supercluster, the Perseus-Pisces Supercluster, and many others. It is also bordered by large voids: the Sculptor’s void, the Bootes void, and the Capricorn void. At scales larger than superclusters, the curious cellular nature of the universe becomes more apparent. The luminous matter is mostly condensed into large sheets and filaments straddling the edges of even more enormous voids.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
