Detection of Large Scale Structure in a $B<17^m$ Galaxy Redshift Survey

Abstract

We report on results from the Durham/UKST Galaxy Redshift Survey where we have found large scale ``cellular'' features in the galaxy distribution. These have spatial 2-point correlation function power significantly in excess of the predictions of the standard cold dark matter cosmological model${}^1$, supporting the previous observational results from the APM survey${}^{2,3}$. At smaller scales, the 1-D pairwise galaxy velocity dispersion is measured to be $387_{-62}^{+96}$ kms${}^{-1}$ which is also inconsistent with the prediction of the standard cold dark matter model${}^1$. Finally, the survey has produced the most significant detection yet of large scale redshift space distortions due to dynamical infall of galaxies${}^4$. An estimate of ${\mathbf{\Omega }}^{0.6}/b=0.55\pm 0.12$ is obtained which is consistent either with a low density Universe or a critical density Universe where galaxies are biased tracers of the mass.

11 pages (LaTex format with nature.sty file), 4 postscript figures, submitted to {\it Nature}