Blocks of empty space within the known universe

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of blocks of empty space within the known universe and provides links for further information. It is clarified that the "hole" in the cloud of dust is not completely void of all things, but rather a sudden dropoff in density. The NGC 1999 patch, which appears black, is determined to be truly empty rather than extremely dense. It is also mentioned that there may still be something present in the hole, but it is not significant compared to the surrounding cloud.
  • #1
eksxxx
3
0
Please share the information you have about this topic, post only valid articles and research.

By "blocks of empty space within the known universe" I mean blocks of space that are free of both matter and light i.e. there is no light or matter within that space;empty and dark. And the known universe to be the space from which we still receive light.

If you need more information please visit these links:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NGC_1999
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/37088640/ns/technology_and_science-space/

your contributions will be appreciated!
 
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  • #2
Those links refer to a "hole" in a cloud of dust. That doesn't imply that it is literrally completely void of all things, including dust and gas and light, but merely that it is a sudden dropoff of density in the middle of the cloud. There is still light and small amounts of gas inside the hole.
 
  • #3
Drakkith said:
... Aided by the ground-based Mayall (Kitt Peak) and Magellan telescopes, it was determined that the patch looks black not because it is an extremely dense pocket of gas, but because it is truly empty...

Thats from Wikipedia NGC 1999. There might be something but it should be insignificant.
 
  • #4
eksxxx said:
Thats from Wikipedia NGC 1999. There might be something but it should be insignificant.

Yep. There is still something there, but not alot. At least compared to the cloud surrounding it.
 
  • #5


I can provide information on the concept of "blocks of empty space within the known universe." This idea refers to areas within the universe that are devoid of both matter and light. These regions are often referred to as voids or cosmic voids.

One example of a cosmic void is NGC 1999, a dark cloud located in the constellation Orion. This cloud is estimated to be about 1,500 light years across and is believed to contain very little matter. It is surrounded by bright stars and nebulae, making it stand out as a dark void in the night sky.

Another well-known cosmic void is the Boötes void, which is one of the largest known voids in the universe. It is estimated to be about 330 million light years in diameter and is located in the constellation Boötes. This void contains very few galaxies and is considered to be one of the most empty regions of the universe.

The existence of these voids is important for our understanding of the structure and evolution of the universe. They provide evidence for the concept of the large-scale structure of the universe, where galaxies and matter are organized into filaments, sheets, and voids.

Scientists have also studied the properties of cosmic voids, such as their size, shape, and distribution. This research has led to a better understanding of the overall structure of the universe and has helped to refine our models of how the universe evolved over time.

In addition to being areas of low matter density, cosmic voids also have a significant impact on the motion of galaxies. Galaxies located near the edges of voids tend to have higher velocities compared to galaxies located in denser regions. This is due to the gravitational pull of the surrounding matter, which can influence the motion of galaxies.

Overall, the concept of blocks of empty space within the known universe is a fascinating area of research that continues to provide insights into the structure and evolution of our vast and mysterious universe.
 

Related to Blocks of empty space within the known universe

1. What are "blocks of empty space" within the known universe?

Blocks of empty space refer to regions of the universe that have a very low density of matter and energy. These regions are characterized by the absence of stars, galaxies, and other celestial objects.

2. How do scientists study these blocks of empty space?

Scientists use various methods to study these blocks of empty space, including observations from telescopes, simulations, and mathematical models. They also gather data from the cosmic microwave background radiation, which can provide information about the distribution of matter in the universe.

3. What causes these blocks of empty space to exist?

The exact cause of these blocks of empty space is not fully understood. It is believed that they may have formed due to the expansion of the universe and the gravitational effects of dark matter. Other theories suggest that these regions may be the result of cosmic voids or the remnants of early universe processes.

4. Are there any potential implications of these blocks of empty space?

The existence of these blocks of empty space can have important implications for our understanding of the universe and its evolution. They may play a role in shaping the large-scale structure of the universe and could potentially impact the formation and evolution of galaxies and other celestial objects.

5. Can we ever explore or travel to these blocks of empty space?

Due to the vast distances involved and the limitations of our current technology, it is not currently possible to physically explore or travel to these blocks of empty space. However, scientists continue to study and learn more about these regions through advanced telescopes and instruments, as well as through theoretical and computational models.

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