Visualizing Disequilibrium: Tracing Two-Point Correlations to Specific Spatial Structures in the Milky Way
astro-ph.GA
Submitted: 2026-08-27
Updated: 2026-08-27
Comments: Published in the Open Journal of Astrophysics
DOI: 10.33232/001c.168760
License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
The gist: The Two-Point Correlation Function can be used to demonstrate the existence of substructure within a dataset, but typical implementations do not track the individual points which contribute to each
Terminology
Abstract
The Two-Point Correlation Function can be used to demonstrate the existence of substructure within a dataset, but typical implementations do not track the individual points which contribute to each specific substructure. In this paper, we develop an algorithm that traces a two-point correlation signal back to the contributions of each data point, allowing for structure to be visualized in novel ways. Using this tool, we find substantial evidence for pervasive spatial clustering in the Milky Way and reveal complex undulations that warp the previously discovered vertical density waves. We also explore the ``clumping" of stars in the thick disk and near-halo regions and discuss the possibility of dating the structure.
Sources
- The Great Wave: Evidence of a large-scale vertical corrugation propagating outwards in the Galactic disc
- Wide-Field InfrarRed Survey Telescope-Astrophysics Focused Telescope Assets WFIRST-AFTA 2015 Report
- Quantifying the Smoothness of the Stellar Halo: A Link to Accretion History
- The Galaxy in Context: Structural, Kinematic and Integrated Properties
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