Numerical Simulations Unravel the Cosmic Web

TL;DR

This paper reviews how numerical simulations have been crucial in understanding the cosmic web's structure, its discovery through intergalactic hydrogen absorption, and future challenges in probing this large-scale cosmic network.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of the milestones achieved with simulations in cosmic web research and discusses future observational and theoretical challenges.

Findings

Numerical simulations have been pivotal in revealing the cosmic web's structure.

The cosmic web's discovery was significantly advanced by absorption signatures in light from distant sources.

Future probes will face new challenges in understanding the cosmic web at different wavelengths.

Abstract

The universe is permeated by a network of filaments, sheets, and knots collectively forming a "cosmic web.'' The discovery of the cosmic web, especially through its signature of absorption of light from distant sources by neutral hydrogen in the intergalactic medium, exemplifies the interplay between theory and experiment that drives science, and is one of the great examples in which numerical simulations have played a key and decisive role. We recount the milestones in our understanding of cosmic structure, summarize its impact on astronomy, cosmology, and physics, and look ahead by outlining the challenges faced as we prepare to probe the cosmic web at new wavelengths.