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intergalactic

Intergalactic is an adjective used to describe things that occur, exist, or pertain to the space between galaxies. In astronomy, it is applied to regions, objects, or processes that lie outside the influence of any single galaxy, most notably intergalactic space and the intergalactic medium.

Etymology and usage: The term combines the prefix inter-, meaning between, with galactic, derived from galaxy.

Intergalactic space and medium: The intergalactic medium (IGM) is the diffuse gas that fills the space between

Observations and significance: Studying the IGM helps scientists understand the evolution of the universe, the growth

In culture and science fiction: Intergalactic concepts are common in science fiction, where they describe travel,

It
entered
scientific
and
popular
usage
in
the
late
19th
and
early
20th
centuries
to
distinguish
phenomena
that
are
not
confined
to
a
single
galaxy
from
those
within
galaxies.
galaxies.
It
consists
mainly
of
ionized
hydrogen
and
helium,
with
traces
of
heavier
elements.
The
IGM
forms
a
vast,
filamentary
network
known
as
the
cosmic
web,
and
its
density
is
far
lower
than
that
inside
galaxies.
The
medium
is
heated
to
a
range
of
temperatures,
and
its
state
is
shaped
by
the
gravitational
influence
of
dark
matter
and
galactic
feedback
processes.
of
cosmic
structure,
and
the
distribution
of
matter
on
large
scales.
Because
the
gas
is
extremely
tenuous,
direct
emission
is
faint;
astronomers
rely
on
absorption
features
in
the
spectra
of
distant
quasars
and
other
bright
sources
to
probe
its
composition,
temperature,
and
density.
diplomacy,
or
conflict
between
different
galaxies.
In
scientific
contexts,
the
term
is
reserved
for
real-scale
intergalactic
phenomena
and
environments.