A 120-Mpc Periodicity in the Three-Dimensional Distribution of Galaxy Superclusters

Abstract

Using a new compilation of available data on galaxy clusters and superclusters we present evidence for a quasiregular three-dimensional network of rich superclusters and voids, with the regions of high density separated by about 120 Mpc. We calculate the power spectrum for clusters of galaxies; it has a peak on the wavelength equal to the step of the network; the excess in the amplitude of the spectrum over that of the cold dark matter model is by a factor of 1.4. The probability that the spectrum can be formed within the framework of the standard cosmogony is very small. If the cluster distribution reflects the distribution of all matter (luminous and dark), then there must exists some hithero unknown process that produces regular structure on large scales.

Tex, 6 pages, 2 PostScript figures embedded, accepted by Nature on November 19, 1996