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Welcome To Laniakea, Our New Cosmic Home

Posted by samzenpus on from the where-the-cosmic-heart-is dept.

astroengine writes Using a new mapping technique that takes into account the motions — and not just the distances — of nearby galaxies, astronomers discovered that the Milky Way is located in the suburb of a massive, previously unknown super-cluster they named Laniakea, a term from Hawaiian words meaning "immeasurable heaven." Actually, Laniakea's girth is measurable, though difficult to conceptualize. The super-cluster spans 520 million light-years in diameter, more than five times larger than the cluster previously believed to be the Milky Way's cosmic home.

3 of 67 comments (clear)

  1. 'Musican by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Funny

    If it is that fat it must be an American super cluster.

  2. There goes the neighborhood. by jeffb+(2.718) · · Score: 3, Funny

    The Universe was such a nice place before all this suburban sprawl took over. Stupid commuters.

  3. LOL ... by gstoddart · · Score: 3, Funny

    Actually, Laniakea's girth is measurable, though difficult to conceptualize

    Your momma so fat ...

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    Lost at C:>. Found at C.