2005/02/22 by Kate Land, João Magueijo, Joao Magueijo · 22 citations
Physics and Astronomy · #Astrophysics and Cosmic Phenomena #Cosmology and Gravitation Theories #Galaxies: Formation, Evolution, Phenomena #astro-ph #gr-qc #hep-ph
paper · pdf · doi:10.1103/physrevlett.95.071301
published as Phys.Rev.Lett. 95 (2005) 071301 · Small corrections introduced
arxiv created 2005/02/22 · openalex publication_date 2005/08/11 · arxiv updated 2009/12/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/30
We examine previous claims for a preferred axis at (b,l) approximately (60,-100) in the cosmic radiation anisotropy, by generalizing the concept of multipole planarity to any shape preference. Contrary to earlier claims, we find that the amount of power concentrated in planar modes for l = 2,3 is not inconsistent with isotropy and Gaussianity. The multipoles' alignment, however, is indeed anomalous, and extends up to l = 5 rejecting statistical isotropy with a probability in excess of 99.9%. There is also an uncanny correlation of azimuthal phases between l = 3 and l = 5. We are unable to blame these effects on foreground contamination or large-scale systematic errors. This reappraisal may be crucial in identifying the theoretical model behind the anomaly.