A new algorithm for the detection of intercluster galaxy filaments using galaxy orientation alignments

Kevin Pimbblet

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31 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

We present a new algorithm for detecting intercluster galaxy filaments based upon the assumption that the orientations of constituent galaxies along such filaments are non-isotropic. We apply the algorithm to the 2dF Galaxy Redshift Survey catalogue and find that it readily detects many straight filaments between close cluster pairs. At large intercluster separations (a?<15 h-1 Mpc), we find that the detection efficiency falls quickly, as it also does with more complex filament morphologies. We explore the underlying assumptions and suggest that it is only in the case of close cluster pairs that we can expect galaxy orientations to be significantly correlated with filament direction
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)256 - 262
Number of pages7
JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Volume358
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2005
Externally publishedYes

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