ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Galaxy filament

Imagine that the universe is like a giant spider web. This web is made up of many different threads, just like a spider web has many different strands. Instead of threads, however, the universe's web is made up of different types of matter and energy.

One of the most important threads in this web is called a galaxy filament. These filaments are like long, skinny ropes that stretch across the universe, connecting different galaxies together. They are made up of dark matter, which is a type of matter that we can't see, but scientists know exists because of the way it affects things we can see.

Imagine that you and a friend are trying to hold onto a piece of string. If you both pull on the string at the same time, you'll be able to keep it steady. But if one of you lets go, the string will start to wiggle and move around. This is because the two of you were holding onto the string and keeping it still.

Galaxy filaments work in a similar way. They act like huge ropes, holding galaxies together and keeping them from flying off into space. Without these filaments, galaxies would be free to move around more easily, and the universe might look very different than it does today.

Scientists study galaxy filaments to learn more about the universe and how it works. By examining the way galaxies are connected to each other, they can learn more about the structure of the universe and how it was formed billions of years ago. Ultimately, the more we learn about galaxy filaments, the more we can understand the mysteries of the universe.