Astronomers have discovered a huge cosmic superstructure called “Quipu,” which has been named the largest-known structure of the universe. Quipu is calculated to be over 1.3 billion light-years across, greater than 13,000 times the size of the Milky Way. This discovery is based on the Cosmic Large-Scale Structure in X-rays (CLASSIX) Cluster Survey that mapped density regions with highly concentrated matter and found five gigantic structures, of which one is Quipu.
Comparison with the Previous Largest Structure
The former record holder of the largest cosmic structure was the Hercules-Corona Borealis Great Wall, which is 10 billion light-years long. However, its existence is still debated by astronomers. Now, with the confirmation of Quipu, it is considered the most prominent superstructure known to date.
Discovery and Methodology
Scientists used X-ray emissions to detect galaxy clusters and map the cosmic web.
The CLASSIX Cluster Survey aided in the identification of Quipu and four other enormous structures at distances from 130 to 250 megaparsecs (Mpc).
Together, these five superstructures encompass 45% of the galaxy clusters, 30% of the galaxies, and 25% of the observable matter in the universe.
Why is it named “Quipu”?
The structure was named “Quipu” after the Incan system of knotted cords that had been historically used for record-keeping. The name was selected because the structure looks like a long cosmic filament with small filaments off it, kind of like ancient Incan knots.
Role of Quipu in the Universe
Scientists think Quipu has a great role to play in gravitational interaction in its cosmic neighborhood.
The structure contributes significantly to the peculiar motion of the Local Group (which includes the Milky Way) relative to the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) frame.
The study of Quipu can enhance cosmological models and our understanding of the large-scale structure of the universe.
Transient Nature of Quipu
Scientists believe that though Quipu is massive today, it will not remain as a single entity in the distant future.
Eventually, the superstructure falls apart into tiny independent collapsing groups, forming their own galaxy-like structures.
Of these, quipus, are seen to be a passing phase in cosmic evolution.
Relevance to Cosmology
The finding of Quipus questions existing views on cosmologies and is probably going to overthrow our ideas:
Dark matter that exists within high-scale cosmic buildups
Cluster interaction within groups of galaxies or galaxy groups across massive scales of structure.
Cosmic expansion is measured, as well as Hubble’s constant and the related acceleration in growth of the universe.
The discovery of Quipu as the largest known structure brings to the cosmic web a great addition in terms of study. More research conducted by astronomers might add new findings concerning the evolution of galaxies and the large-scale structures of the cosmos. This significant discovery makes people realize that, after all, there is so much left in the vastness of the universe to be found.
