Stellwand

Stellwand, also known as the Stellar Wall, is a prominent astronomical feature located in the constellation of Virgo. It is a vast supercluster of galaxies, stretching across approximately 100 million light-years. This structure is part of the larger Virgo Supercluster, which includes the Local Group, where our Milky Way galaxy resides.

The Stellwand is notable for its high concentration of galaxies and its significant gravitational influence on the surrounding cosmic environment. It is believed to have formed through the accretion of smaller galaxy groups and clusters over billions of years. The supercluster is home to a diverse range of galaxies, including spiral, elliptical, and irregular types, each contributing to the overall mass and gravitational pull of the Stellwand.

One of the most well-known members of the Stellwand is the Virgo Cluster, a massive cluster of galaxies that is the nearest large cluster to our Local Group. The Virgo Cluster contains thousands of galaxies and is a significant source of X-ray emission due to the hot gas that permeates the cluster.

The Stellwand plays a crucial role in the large-scale structure of the universe, influencing the motion and distribution of galaxies in its vicinity. Its gravitational effects can be observed in the peculiar velocities of galaxies and the distortion of light from distant objects, a phenomenon known as gravitational lensing.

In summary, the Stellwand is a significant supercluster of galaxies in the Virgo constellation, characterized by its high density of galaxies and substantial gravitational influence. It is a key component of the Virgo Supercluster and plays a vital role in the cosmic web of galaxy distribution.