Galactic orientation

Galactic clusters[1][2] are gravitationally bound large-scale structures of multiple galaxies. The evolution of these aggregates is determined by time and manner of formation and the process of how their structures and constituents have been changing with time. Gamow (1952) and Weizscker (1951) showed that the observed rotations of galaxies are important for cosmology. They postulated that the rotation of galaxies might be a clue of physical conditions under which these systems formed. Thus, understanding the distribution of spatial orientations of the spin vectors of galaxies is critical to understanding the origin of the angular momenta of galaxies.

There are mainly three scenarios for the origin of galaxy clusters and superclusters. These models are based on different assumptions of the primordial conditions, so they predict different spin vector alignments of the galaxies. The three hypotheses are the pancake model, the hierarchy model, and the primordial vorticity theory. The three are mutually exclusive as they produce contradictory predictions. However, the predictions made by all three theories are based on the precepts of cosmology. Thus, these models can be tested using a database with appropriate methods of analysis.

  1. ^ Gamow, G. (1952-04-15). "The Role of Turbulence in the Evolution of the Universe". Physical Review. 86 (2). American Physical Society (APS): 251. Bibcode:1952PhRv...86..251G. doi:10.1103/physrev.86.251. ISSN 0031-899X.
  2. ^ Weizscker C.F., 1951, APJ 114, 165