Supergalactic studies. III. The supergalactic distribution of nearby groups of galaxies

Journal Article · Mon Dec 15 04:00:00 EST 1975 · Astrophys. J., v. 202, no. 3, pp. 610-615

OSTI ID:4056951

de Vaucouleurs, G

The probability that the observed concentration of nearby groups of galaxies within 10degree, 20degree or 30degree from the same great circle (supergalactic equator SGE) in both galactic hemispheres could arise by chance in a random (Poisson) distribution of cluster centers is less than 2x10$sup -2$ for the 17 nearer groups ($delta$<10 Mpc) and less than 3x10$sup -2$ for the 46 groups in the next distance range (10<$delta$<16 Mpc on 1965 distance scale). The probability that both sets could fall by chance within 30degree from the same circle with the observed frequencies is less than 5x10$sup -4$. This result takes into account the effect of galactic extinction and is insensitive to the diameter assumed for the Virgo cluster. The variations of the supergalactic concentration index C as a function of magnitude and of supergalactic latitude and longitude define unequivocally the direction of the center of the Local Supercluster even when a large sector, including the Virgo cluster, is excluded from the statistics. The concentration of galaxies to the supergalactic equator is detectable at least up to +-90degree away from the Virgo cluster for m>12 and at all longitudes for m> or =12. It is clear that the ''super cluster effect'' cannot be explained by the combined effects of galactic extinction, small-scale clustering and a hypothetical ''large'' Virgo cluster. (AIP)

• Research Organization: Department of Astronomy and McDonald Observatory, The University of Texas at Austin
• NSA Number: NSA-33-024122
• OSTI ID: 4056951
• Journal Information: Astrophys. J., v. 202, no. 3, pp. 610-615, Journal Name: Astrophys. J., v. 202, no. 3, pp. 610-615; ISSN ASJOA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

*GALAXY CLUSTERS-- SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION
640105* --Physics Research--Astrophysics &amp; Cosmology-- Galaxies
BRIGHTNESS
DISTANCE
ISOTROPY
N56500* --Physics (Astrophysics &amp; Cosmology)--Galaxies
PROBABILITY