BOOTES VOID Meaning and
Definition
-
Boötes Void refers to an extensive region of space that is known for its relative lack of galaxies, also referred to as a void or supervoid. It is located in the constellation of Boötes, which is positioned approximately 700 million light-years away from Earth. This void spans a distance of about 330 million light-years across and is considered as one of the largest voids ever discovered.
Boötes Void is characterized by its extremely low density of galaxies, with only a few dozen galaxies identified within this vast expanse. Its size and scarcity of galaxies make it greatly deviant from the expected distribution of matter in the universe. Most regions of space typically contain a higher concentration of galaxies and cosmic structures, clumping together due to the attractive force of gravity.
Various theories have been proposed to explain the existence of Boötes Void. One possibility is that it originated from the collision of multiple smaller voids, with the resulting altered cosmic landscape producing the observed low-density area. Another theory suggests that the gravitational repulsion from a large collection of dark energy might be responsible for pushing galaxies away from Boötes Void and creating this vast empty region.
Understanding the formation and properties of Boötes Void contributes to the knowledge about the large-scale structure of the universe and how it evolves over time. By studying these voids, scientists can gain insights into the distribution of galaxies and the behavior of matter on a cosmological scale.
Etymology of BOOTES VOID
The word Bootes is derived from the Latin name for herdsman, which is also the name of a constellation in the northern sky. This constellation is associated with a character from Greek mythology called Boötes, who was a herdsman or plowman. The word void is an English term that refers to an empty or vacant space. Therefore, the term Bootes Void essentially means the empty space in the constellation of Boötes.
