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cluster of galaxies  A group of galaxies held together by their mutual gravitational attraction.
explosion model  A model for the formation of clusters of galaxies in which the clusters form at the intersections of expanding shells of matter driven outward by gigantic explosions.
Great Attractor  A great concentration of mass toward which everything in our part of the universe apparently is being pulled.
hierarchical clustering model  A model for the formation of clusters of galaxies in which individual galaxies form and then begin to collect into clusters.
irregular cluster  A cluster of galaxies that lacks a symmetrical shapeand structure.
Local Group  The small cluster of galaxies of which the Milky Way is a member.
pancake model  A model for the formation of clusters of galaxies in which protoclusters form first and then fragment into individual galaxies.
regular cluster  A cluster of galaxies that has roughly spherical symmetry.
richness  A measure of the number of galaxies in a cluster. The more galaxies there are, the greater the richness.
voids  Immense volumes of space in which few galaxies and clusters of galaxies can be found.







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