Comparative statistical study of the chronometric and Friedman cosmologies based on the Palomar bright quasar and other complete quasar surveys

Abstract

The Palomar Bright Quasar Survey and other complete samples derived by Schmidt and Green from quasar surveys are used for comparative cosmological studies and for predictions of quasar counts. Systematic self-tests and mutual cross-tests of the chronometric and Friedman cosmologies are made. Nonparametric estimates of the normalized luminosity function are made that involve no assumption as to the homogeneity of the spatial distribution of quasars and are statistically optimal in this respect. The homogeneity question is studied independently by V/V/sub m/ tests.