The Universe's Scale: Galaxies, Stars, and Beyond

In summary, the conversation discusses how planets group into a star, which then forms a galaxy. This grouping is due to gravity, and it is believed that there are even larger clusters and superclusters of galaxies in the universe. It is also mentioned that galaxies may form around dense black holes, which formed during the early stages of the universe's expansion. Similarly, solar systems form around massive bodies like suns due to gravity.
  • #1
bassplayer142
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If you look at the planets, they group into a star, which all form a galaxy. It just seems like everything groups together. Our observable universe with the Hubble isn't as enormous as the universe may be. If so, galaxys would form an even greater cluster and so on and so forth.
 
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  • #2
It's called gravity!
 
  • #3
There are galaxy clusters and superclusters, yes.
 
  • #4
Galaxies probably form around very dence black holes to begin with. The black holes probably formed at the earliest stage of the expansion when things were very close together bringing about the galactic formations. Solor systems form around massive bodies such as suns in the same way. All because of gravity.
 

1. What is the largest known galaxy in the universe?

The largest known galaxy in the universe is IC 1101, which is estimated to have a diameter of 5.5 million light-years.

2. How many stars are estimated to exist in the observable universe?

It is estimated that there are between 100 billion to 200 billion galaxies in the observable universe, with each galaxy containing an average of 100 billion stars. This means there are roughly 10 sextillion (10^22) stars in the observable universe.

3. How do scientists measure the distance between galaxies?

Scientists use various methods to measure the distance between galaxies, including redshift measurements, standard candles such as Type Ia supernovae, and the cosmic distance ladder which relies on the properties of specific objects like Cepheid variable stars.

4. Can we see the edge of the universe?

No, we cannot see the edge of the universe as it is constantly expanding and there is no definitive edge. The observable universe is limited by the distance light can travel in the 13.8 billion years since the Big Bang, which is estimated to be around 93 billion light-years in diameter.

5. Are there other galaxies besides the Milky Way that could support life?

Yes, there are estimated to be billions of other galaxies in the universe, many of which may have planets capable of supporting life. The search for extraterrestrial life is ongoing and has focused on potential habitable planets within our own galaxy and beyond.

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