An international group of researchers has discovered the largest known structure in the universe — the Kipu superstructure. It is named after the ancient Incan knot-based writing system. The discovery was presented in the scientific journal Astronomy and Astrophysics (A&A).

What Is Kipu?

Kipu is a gigantic network that connects gravity-bound clusters and superclusters of galaxies. Its length spans 1.3 billion light-years, and its total mass reaches 200 quadrillion solar masses (1 quadrillion is 1,000 trillion).

How Was Kipu Discovered?

Astronomers used X-ray data to identify Kipu, as well as four other superstructures located between 130 to 250 million parsecs from Earth. Together, these structures contain:

  • 45% of all galaxy clusters,
  • 30% of galaxies,
  • 25% of all matter in the universe.

Impact on the Universe

Due to its massive size, superstructures like Kipu have a significant influence on the surrounding space. They are capable of:

  • Distorting light trajectories,
  • Modifying the cosmic microwave background radiation (the residual glow from the Big Bang),
  • Affecting measurements of the Hubble constant, which defines the rate of the universe’s expansion.

What Will Happen to the Superstructure in the Future?

Despite its immense scale, Kipu and similar structures are not eternal. Over time, these formations will break apart into smaller structures, but for now, they remain unique objects deserving detailed study, the researchers note.