Does space expand within clusters of galaxies?

In the context of galaxy clusters, the overwhelming gravitational attraction between the galaxies and other matter within the cluster is strong enough to counteract the effects of the expansion of space. While the universe as a whole is expanding, this expansion does not significantly affect the distances between galaxies that are gravitationally bound to each other within a galaxy cluster.

Gravity acts as a dominant force, binding the galaxies together, thereby maintaining their relative positions despite the overall expansion of the universe. This condition applies to all galaxy clusters, regardless of their mass, as long as the galaxies within them are gravitationally bound. The clusters can be thought of as isolated systems where local gravitational forces take precedence over the universal expansion of space.

Understanding this concept highlights the scale of cosmic forces at play and their varying effects depending on the local environment, such as the contrast between gravitationally bound systems like galaxy clusters and the expansive nature of the universe on larger scales.