structure formation

Structure formation refers to the process by which matter in the universe clumps together to form larger structures like galaxies, stars, and planets. After the Big Bang, the universe was mostly a hot, dense soup of particles. As it expanded and cooled, tiny fluctuations in density led to gravitational attraction, causing matter to coalesce over billions of years. Dark matter plays a crucial role by providing extra gravitational pull, helping to form structures that we observe today. This process is fundamental to understanding the evolution of the universe and the cosmos we live in.