# Is it possible to have a part of space devoid of matter?

I have recently read this article and I am finding it a little hard to believe that there would be a place that is without matter. So, if there is a galaxy at the other side of the void, we would be unable to detect it. I am still very much a rookie at this, so please correct me if I'm wrong.

2. If so, what is the science/reasoning behind this?

3. What if say, a black hole were to appear in such a void, what would happen?

• Regarding So, if there is a galaxy at the other side of the void, we would be unable to detect it, this is incorrect (@RobJeffries said in his answer). – David Hammen Aug 11 '15 at 17:43
• @DavidHammen yes I have noted the answer. – CipherBot Aug 11 '15 at 23:15

The original research, published in 2007, suggests that a lack of radio sources seen in a particular direction coincides with a "cold-spot" that is seen in the cosmic microwave background by WMAP (which has since been confirmed by Planck). They calculate that if the void were completely empty it would need to be about 280 Mpc across and at redshifts $z\leq 1$.