Supercluster - Definition and Overview

Superclusters are large groups of smaller galaxy groups and clusters, and are among the largest structures of the cosmos. The superclusters dictates that the galaxies in our Universe are not uniformly distributed; most of them are grouped together in groups and clusters, with groups containing up to 50 and clusters several thousand galaxies. These groups and clusters and some isolated galaxies in turn form even larger structures called superclusters.

Superclusters can range in size up to several 10⁸ light years. No clusters of superclusters are known, but the existence of bigger structures than supercluster is debated (see Filament (astronomy)). Interspersed among these superclusters are large voids of space in which few galaxies exist. Even though superclusters are the largest structures confirmed, the total number of superclusters leave possibilities for structural distribution; the total number of superclusters in the universe is believed to be close to 10 million.

Superclusters are frequently subdivided into groups of clusters called galaxy clouds.

The following is a list of some nearby superclusters.

• Local Supercluster: contains the Local Group with our galaxy, the Milky Way. It also contains the Virgo cluster near its center, and is sometimes called the Virgo Supercluster.
• Hydra Supercluster
• Centaurus Supercluster
• Perseus-Pisces Supercluster
• Pavo-Indus Supercluster
• Coma Supercluster
• Sculptor Superclusters
• Hercules Superclusters
• Leo Supercluster
• Shapley Supercluster
• Pisces-Cetus Supercluster
• Bootes Supercluster
• Horologium Supercluster
• Corona Borealis Supercluster

See also

• Large-scale structure of the cosmos
• Galaxy filament
• Galaxy cloud
• Galaxy cluster
• Galaxy subcluster
• Galaxy

External links

• Universe family tree: Supercluster (http://www.astro.uu.nl/~strous/AA/en/boom/supercluster.html)