Non-Gaussianity in the WMAP data using the peak-peak correlation function

Abstract

We present a search for non-Gaussianity in the WMAP first-year data using the two-point correlation function of maxima and minima in the temperature map. We find evidence for non-Gaussianity on large scales, whose origin appears to be associated with unsubstracted foregrounds, but which is not entirely clear. The signal appears to be associated most strongly with cold spots, and is more pronounced in the Southern galactic hemisphere. Removal of the region of sky near the galactic plane, or filtering out large-scale modes removes the signal. Analysis of individual frequency maps shows strongest signal in the 41GHz Q band. A study of difference maps tests the hypothesis that the non-Gaussianity is due to residual foregrounds and noise, but shows no significant detection. We suggest that the detection is due to large-scale residual foregrounds affecting more than one frequency band, but a primordial contribution from the Cosmic Microwave Background cannot be excluded.

12 pages, 17 figures; replaced by accepted version for publication in MNRAS; some clarifications and references added and some figures changed; basic conclusions unchanged

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