Unveiling Cosmic Structure: A Fractal Approach to a Possibly Isotropic Universe.
ORAL
Abstract
The large-scale distribution of galaxies raises fundamental questions about whether the Universe is truly homogeneous and isotropic, as postulated by the Cosmological Principle. While standard cosmology assumes isotropy at sufficiently large scales, observational data reveals complex clustering patterns that suggest fractal-like behavior on intermediate scales.
Our project investigates the interplay between fractality and isotropy in cosmic structure by applying fractal and multifractal analysis methods to galaxy survey data. Using a layered “wedding-cake” framework, galaxy catalogs are partitioned into redshift slices, and box-counting as well as correlation-dimension techniques are applied to each layer. This approach makes it possible to track the evolution of fractal properties as a function of cosmic depth.
The objective of this study is to identify the scale at which the Universe transitions from fractal clustering to isotropic distribution. By systematically analyzing multiple surveys across different depths, we aim to clarify if and how isotropy emerges in the cosmic web. The findings will help assess the validity of the Cosmological Principle and refine our understanding of structure formation on the largest observable scales.
Our project investigates the interplay between fractality and isotropy in cosmic structure by applying fractal and multifractal analysis methods to galaxy survey data. Using a layered “wedding-cake” framework, galaxy catalogs are partitioned into redshift slices, and box-counting as well as correlation-dimension techniques are applied to each layer. This approach makes it possible to track the evolution of fractal properties as a function of cosmic depth.
The objective of this study is to identify the scale at which the Universe transitions from fractal clustering to isotropic distribution. By systematically analyzing multiple surveys across different depths, we aim to clarify if and how isotropy emerges in the cosmic web. The findings will help assess the validity of the Cosmological Principle and refine our understanding of structure formation on the largest observable scales.
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Publication: Planned paper will try and upload on arXiv by December 2025
Presenters
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Rafael A Estrada
University of Houston
Authors
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Rafael A Estrada
University of Houston