Galactic Walls, also sometimes referred to as galaxy filaments or supercluster complexes, are considered larger structures than individual elements of the cosmic web.
The cosmic web describes the large-scale structure of the universe, consisting of:
- Filaments: Vast, thread-like structures of galaxies and dark matter.
- Voids: Immense, relatively empty regions of space.
- Nodes: Dense clusters of galaxies where filaments intersect.
While the cosmic web encompasses the entire observed universe, Galactic Walls represent some of its largest individual components, forming significant segments within the web's overall structure. These "walls" are essentially extremely extended and flattened galaxy filaments, some of which span billions of light-years.
Think of the cosmic web as a vast spiderweb. Individual strands represent filaments. Galactic Walls are akin to very thick, very long sections of that same web – larger and more concentrated stretches of the interconnected network.
Therefore, while the cosmic web as a whole is obviously the encompassing structure, the individual Galactic Walls are considered larger structures than typical filaments or nodes within the cosmic web. They represent the most substantial known superstructures within it.
