This intergalactic filament is 50 million-light-long, as we have seen so far.


The optical image of the Bell 3391/95 system where scientists saw the longest filament ever observed. (Image credit: Reprich et al., Astronomy and astrophysics)

Extraordinarily long threads of hot gas, known as international fibers, connect and surround galaxies and galaxy clusters throughout the universe – and scientists have made the longest discovery yet.

Intergalactic filaments form a cosmic web that stretches across the observable universe. In this formation, the galaxies are arranged in a web-like pattern, surrounded by and around these fibers.