Great wall

/ɡreɪt wɔl/ noun

Definition

An enormous sheet-like structure of galaxies that can extend for hundreds of millions of light-years, representing one of the largest known structures in the universe. These walls form the boundaries of cosmic voids and are composed of connected galaxy filaments.

Etymology

Named by analogy to the Great Wall of China due to its vast, wall-like appearance when mapped in three dimensions. The first 'Great Wall' of galaxies was discovered in 1989 by Margaret Geller and John Huchra, revolutionizing our understanding of cosmic structure.

Kelly Says

The Sloan Great Wall stretches for 1.37 billion light-years, making it one of the largest known structures in the universe - if you could travel at the speed of light, it would take longer than the current age of the universe to cross it! These walls are actually the edges of enormous cosmic bubbles, with voids on either side.

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