ScienceJuly 14, 2026
megastructure
/ˈmɛɡəˌstrʌktʃər/
Definition
A massive, theoretically constructed object of artificial origin, often speculated to exist in space and be large enough to alter the light signature of a star.
Etymology
The word combines the Greek prefix 'mega-' (large) with the Latin 'structura' (a fitting together or building). It entered modern vocabulary in the 20th century to describe massive engineering feats or, more recently, hypothetical space-based artifacts.
In the news
The term is used in the article's 'Trending' sidebar to describe mysterious, non-natural phenomena that astronomers theorize could explain the unusual behavior of certain cold stars.
NASA's Perseverance just completed a marathon on Mars
Read the full article ↗ScienceDaily