Is there cyclic motion of galaxies?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the motion and alignment of galaxies, particularly whether there is any structured cyclic motion similar to that observed in planetary systems and stars within the Milky Way. Participants explore the large-scale structures of the universe and how galaxies may be oriented in relation to these structures.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note that galaxies may orbit each other, similar to planets in a solar system.
  • One participant references a study indicating that galaxy rotation axes are preferentially aligned with the filaments and walls of large-scale structures in the universe.
  • Another participant expresses uncertainty about the nature of these filaments and walls mentioned in the study.
  • A participant describes the universe as having large-scale structures, including groups of galaxies arranged in sheets and filaments, with large voids that contain few galaxies.
  • There is a suggestion to explore a video link that may provide additional context or information on the topic.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying levels of understanding regarding the alignment and motion of galaxies, with some agreeing on the existence of structures while others seek clarification on specific terms and concepts. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing views and uncertainties present.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention difficulties in locating specific studies or threads that could provide further evidence or clarification on the topic. There are also references to concepts that may require additional definitions or explanations.

lazypast
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Im aware that the planets in our solar system all orbit the sun on the same plane. and if we look at the milky way all the stars are aligned on the same plane. if we go out one further (ie to look at galaxies) , I am wondering if the motion of galaxies and how they are aligned has any structure.

thanks
 
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lazypast said:
Im aware that the planets in our solar system all orbit the sun on the same plane. and if we look at the milky way all the stars are aligned on the same plane. if we go out one further (ie to look at galaxies) , I am wondering if the motion of galaxies and how they are aligned has any structure.

thanks
I'll try to dig up the link, but in a recent thread started by Astronuc regarding large-scale structures in the Universe, there was a link to a study showing that galaxy rotation axes were preferentially aligned with the filaments and walls in which they are embedded.
 
I can't seem to dig up the thread. Perhaps Astro didn't start it... I'll keep trying.
 
I know that some galaxies do orbit each other! But that's as far as our cosmos module has taught us :(
 
Thanks for the replies, I am not sure of what these filaments and wall are that turbo mentions?
Thanks
 
Our universe has structures on very large scales. There are groups of galaxies arranged in sheets and filaments, and there are some very large voids that are nearly empty of galaxies. From the abstract, it seems that the authors studied sheets of galaxies bordering voids and discovered that the spin axes of the galaxies in the sheets were preferentially aligned WRT to the orientation of the sheets.
 
Maybe this is accurate?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFlzyxSQhTc
 

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