Cosmic Connections: The Web that Links Galaxies Across the Universe

Astronomers have gained a more complete view of the Cosmic Web, a vast structure connecting galaxies, thanks to the Keck Cosmic Web Imager (KCWI). KCWI is a spectrograph that detects Lyman-alpha emissions from hydrogen, allowing scientists to observe the gaseous filaments that connect galaxies. The KCWI's predecessor, the CWI, had previously discovered evidence of a hydrogen transport network. The KCWI's improved capabilities now enable the observation of dark gas in the Cosmic Web. The instrument's successor, the Keck Cosmic Reionization Mapper (KCRM), will further enhance our understanding of the distant filaments and the formation of stars and black holes.