The spatial correlation function of rich clusters of galaxies

Abstract

view Abstract Citations (709) References (20) Co-Reads Similar Papers Volume Content Graphics Metrics Export Citation NASA/ADS The spatial correlation function of rich clusters of galaxies. Bahcall, N. A. ; Soneira, R. M. Abstract A series of objective statistical estimators is applied to directly study the three-dimensional distribution of rich clusters, using a recently completed redshift sample of 104 Abell clusters out to distance class four and galactic latitude of 30 deg or more. The sample and the relevant positional and redshift selection effects are discussed, and the two-point angular correlation function and nearest-neighbor distribution of clusters in the sample are determined, as well as in the larger D = 5+6 sample and in several subsamples of different richness classes and latitude zones. The redshift correlation function of clusters for various angular separations on the sky is examined as a test for the reality of the observed angular correlations. The two-point spatial correlation function of clusters in the sample is determined, and the consistency among the three observed correlation functions is tested. A model that describes all the observed correlations is presented. Publication: The Astrophysical Journal Pub Date: July 1983 DOI: 10.1086/161094 Bibcode: 1983ApJ...270...20B Keywords: Galactic Clusters; Spatial Distribution; Angular Correlation; Correlation; Histograms; Red Shift; Astrophysics full text sources ADS | data products SIMBAD (4) NED (4)