Universe's Unimaginable Scale
The observable universe is about 93 billion light-years in diameter. It's so vast that light from the edges has taken billions of years to reach us, illustrating the universe's ancient expansiveness.
Dark Matter Enigma
Approximately 85% of the universe's mass consists of dark matter. This mysterious substance doesn't emit light or energy, thus we can only detect it through its gravitational effects on visible matter.
Galaxies Clustering Together
Galaxies aren't randomly dispersed; they cluster together in groups, superclusters, and even larger structures, forming a vast cosmic web with voids that span millions of light-years.
Quantum Fluctuations' Role
Quantum fluctuations during the early universe may have led to the large-scale structure we see today. Tiny variations in density might have become the seeds for galaxies and clusters.
Cosmic Microwave Background
The Cosmic Microwave Background is the afterglow of the Big Bang, permeating the entire universe. It provides a snapshot of the universe just 380,000 years after its inception.
Expanding Universe Accelerates
Rather than slowing down, the universe's expansion is accelerating. The cause of this acceleration is attributed to dark energy, a mysterious force that makes up about 68% of the universe.
Multiverse Hypothesis
Some theories suggest our universe might be one of many in a 'multiverse.' These other universes could have different physical laws or constants, drastically changing their structure and potential for life.