The Structure of the Universe

The universe is an immense, expanding space containing all matter and energy—stars, planets, galaxies, and cosmic dust. Galaxies are massive systems of stars bound together by gravity, and they cluster into groups called galaxy clusters. These clusters form even larger structures known as superclusters, arranged in a vast, web-like network. The universe also includes dark matter and dark energy, which influence its shape and expansion but are not directly visible. Overall, the universe's structure is hierarchical, stretching from individual particles to galaxies, all governed by the fundamental physical laws that shape its ongoing evolution.