Articles | Volume 3, issue 4
https://doi.org/10.5194/npg-3-274-1996
https://doi.org/10.5194/npg-3-274-1996
31 Dec 1996
31 Dec 1996

Statistical properties of galaxy distributions

F. Sylos Labini and L. Pietronero

Abstract. The recent availability of complete three dimensional samples of galaxies and clusters permits a direct study of their spatial properties. We present a brief review of galaxy correlations based on the methods modern statistical Physics. These methods which able to identify self-similar and non-analytical prop ties, allow us to test the usual homogeneity assumption of luminous matter distribution. We conclude that both the three dimensional prop ties, and the angular log N - log S relation, point out the fact that the distribution of galaxies and clusters fractal with D ≈ 2 up to the deepest scale probed luminous matter (≈≥ 1000h-1 Mpc). This result has important implications for the theoretical framework that should be adopted.