On the Fractal Structure of the Universe

TL;DR

This paper reviews observational and theoretical evidence for the fractal, hierarchical structure of the Universe up to large scales, discussing how such structures may transition to homogeneity at very large distances.

Contribution

It provides a concise overview of recent advances and simple calculations showing how fractal structures could evolve into a homogeneous universe at large scales.

Findings

Hierarchical structure observed up to 30-100 Mpc/h

Fractal structure can derive from nonuniform matter distribution

Potential transition to homogeneity at very large scales

Abstract

Despite the observational evidence that the Universe appears hierarchically structured up to a distance of at least 30 Mpc/h (and possibly up to 100 Mpc/h), the fractal paradigm has not yet been recognized by the majority of cosmologists today. In this work we provide a brief overview of the recent observational and theoretical advances relevant to the question of the global cosmic structure and present some simple calculations which indicate how the hierarchical structure may pass over to the homogeneous Universe at very large scale. We show that the fractal structure may be derived from the moderately nonuniform matter distribution. We address a number of epistemological questions relevant to a general outlook of the Cosmos at large too.