Cosmic 'Rolling Pin' Spins Galaxies At Warp Speed

Astronomers have identified one of the universe's largest known spinning structures, a cosmic filament stretching an immense 50 million light-years across space. This colossal formation, acting like a giant 'rolling pin,' contains over 280 galaxies and is observed to be rotating at speeds exceeding 246,000 miles per hour.

The structure's unique characteristic is the alignment of its galaxies, many of which are spinning in the same direction as the filament itself. This observation suggests that large cosmic structures significantly influence the rotation of galaxies, a finding that provides rare insights into how galaxies gain their spin and evolve within the vast cosmic web.

Researchers believe this filament, rich in hydrogen and thus raw material for star formation, is a relatively young and undisturbed example. Its 'dynamically cold' state and clear rotational patterns make it an exceptional 'fossil record,' offering valuable clues for understanding the formation and growth of galaxies, including our own Milky Way, in the early universe.