Flat Patterns in Cosmic Structure

TL;DR

This paper presents evidence for two large, flat, sheet-like structures in the distribution of nearby galaxies and clusters, extending our understanding of cosmic structure beyond the Local Supercluster.

Contribution

It identifies and characterizes two extended flat sheet-like patterns in the local universe, providing evidence for their reality and extent.

Findings

Detection of two extended flat sheet-like patterns in galaxy distributions.

Sheet A includes our position and is tilted 11 degrees from the supergalactic pole.

Sheet B is 15 Mpc away at its closest point.

Abstract

It is natural to wonder how far the flat pattern in the distribution of galaxies and clusters of galaxies around the de Vaucoueurs Local Supercluster extends, and whether there are other similarly extended flat patterns in cosmic structure. I present evidence of two extended flat sheet-like patterns in the distributions of galaxies and clusters detected at redshifts less than 0.021. Sheet A contains our position and is tilted 11 degrees from the supergalactic pole, meaning the Local Supercluster is a moderately bent part of the more extended Sheet A. The continuation of this sheet is detected in the disjoint sample of galaxies at redshifts 0.021 to 0.041 and of galaxies and clusters of galaxies at redshifts 0.042 to 0.085. Sheet B is 15 Mpc from us at its closest point. It is detected at redshift less than 0.021 and at redshift 0.021 to 0.041. These results make a serious case for the reality of signatures of close to flat extended sheet-like patterns.