Intergalactic Hydrogen

Intergalactic hydrogen refers to the vast amounts of hydrogen gas that exist between galaxies in the universe. It’s the most common element and acts as a cosmic building block, filling the space between stars and galaxies. This hydrogen can be found in diffuse clouds that are extremely sparse but spread over enormous regions. Studying this intergalactic hydrogen helps scientists understand the large-scale structure of the universe, cosmic evolution, and the process of galaxy formation. It is often detected through its characteristic radio waves, allowing astronomers to map and analyze the universe’s large-scale environment.