U.S.-Hungary Joint Fund Research on the Structure of the Universe on Very Large Scales

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The primary objective of this US-Hungary research project under the Hungary Joint Fund between Dr. Sandor Szalay, Eotvos University, and Dr. David C. Koo, Lick Observatory, is to make major advances in the understanding of the structure of the universe. Current observations of the large scale structure of the universe show inhomogeneities on much larger scales than previously thought. Deep redshift surveys of galaxies with 'pencilbeam' geometry towards the North and South Galactic Poles indicate strong clustering along the line of sight, on scales exceeding 100 Mpc, with a provocative regularity. The existence and the distribution of such superclusters have profound implications for cosmology, but these observations will only gain a general acceptance after overwhelming evidence has been presented. These researchers will carry out new observations to: extract more information from the existing unique data, establish the statistical errors in more detail, study the effect of the projections, the transverse extent of the structures, and search for signs of gravitational infall. This project in cosmology fulfills the program objective of advancing scientific knowledge by enabling leading experts in the United States and Eastern Europe to combine complementary talents and pool research resources in areas of strong mutual interest and competence.