Is the local supercluster a random clumping accident

Journal Article · Thu Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1976 · Astrophys. J., v. 203, no. 1, pp. 33-38

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/154044· OSTI ID:4027714

de Vaucouleurs, G

The distribution of bright galaxies and nearby groups has been interpreted alternatively as the result of (a) a physical association (the local supercluster hypothesis), or (b) a statistical accident (the random clumping hypothesis). The latter view, as developed by Bahcall and Joss, rests on a presumed demonstration that the ''apparent supercluster effect,'' as measured by a certain statistical index K, can be reduced to a level compatible with hypothesis (b). A critical assessment of the BJ analysis shows that it is faulty in its methodology and that their model is quantitatively untenable in its requirements. This model calls for at least three ad hoc assumptions, some highly artificial; in particular, it leads to an excessive estimate of galactic obscuration and postulates a fictitiously large radius for the Virgo cluster. Independent statistical tests applied to the observed distribution and orientation of nearby galaxies, intergalactic gas clouds, and groups and clouds of galaxies have already confirmed the physical reality of the supergalactic disk and demonstrated the very low probability of the random clumping hypothesis. (AIP)

• Research Organization: Department of Astronomy and McDonald Observatory, The University of Texas
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• NSA Number: NSA-33-030779
• OSTI ID: 4027714
• Journal Information: Astrophys. J., v. 203, no. 1, pp. 33-38, Journal Name: Astrophys. J., v. 203, no. 1, pp. 33-38; ISSN ASJOA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

*GALAXY CLUSTERS-- DISTRIBUTION
640105* --Physics Research--Astrophysics & Cosmology-- Galaxies
BRIGHTNESS
COSMIC GASES
COSMOLOGICAL MODELS
INTERGALACTIC SPACE
N56500* --Physics (Astrophysics & Cosmology)--Galaxies
ORIENTATION