COSMIC WEB

The main thing we know of which is larger than galaxies is the Cosmic Web. It is also known as the InterGalactic Web, that is because it connects all galaxies together. There are galactic clusters (and Super ones) which can be enormous, but they are still basically galaxies in clusters!

Like stars and galaxies this web is formed from electrically ionised plasma. Plasma naturally forms into filaments, known as Birkeland Currents. They can be detected, although mostly invisible, due to the magnetic fields and electromagnetic radiation they produce. Most astronomers have decided this web is made of ‘dark matter’, whatever that is! It is obvious to me that these straggling filaments are plasma, that is what plasma does!

Theoretically if all galaxies are formed along these plasma filaments there must be a logical reason, it is not just chance! I think the clue is in how plasma forms the best natural conductor of electricity. Without electric current each galaxy and all its stars would disintegrate. That is all that maintains them.

Now the tricky bit is where the electricity comes from. This is a no-go area for most astronomers, they prefer to talk about gravity. Anyway let’s look at these massive filaments and what is going on inside them.

Here is an approximate cutaway of a typical Birkeland current. If you have ever looked up at an aurora you will have seen multiple rotating layers. Importantly adjacent cylinders rotate in opposite directions. This means each cylinder has its own magnetic field and is capable of carrying current. By simple electroinduction we have a DC generator and at the same time a DC motor once the current flows! Not only that but because these are coaxial conductors they will tend to shield each other. Just like telecoms cables are designed to prevent interference and radiation. The down side for astronomers is that the signals they detect will be relatively weak. This masks the vast currents which are flowing constantly around the Web.