The Structure of the Universe in the Quasar Absorption Spectra

Abstract

An analysis of the absorption lines observed in the spectra of quasars makes it possible to study the evolution of the structure of the Universe up to redshifts z∼5. The observed clustering of C IV lines demonstrates the multiple birth of low-mass galaxies in separate structural elements—filaments and “pancakes.” This ensures their subsequent regular hierarchical merger in the central galaxy or group of galaxies. Remnants of the early “pancakes” are observed today as the Local Group, groups around the Andromeda and Centaurus galaxies, and other small groups of galaxies. In turn, the observed clustering of Lyman-alpha lines shows that starless dark matter (DM) halos are also formed in structural elements and their hierarchical clustering leads to the formation of massive starless dark matter halos of moderate density, which also appear in numerical models.