Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2005-02-11
Phys.Rev.Lett. 95 (2005) 071301
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
Small corrections introduced
Scientific paper
10.1103/PhysRevLett.95.071301
We examine previous claims for a preferred axis at $(b,l)\approx (60,-100)$ in the cosmic radiation anisotropy, by generalizing the concept of multipole planarity to any shape preference (a concept we define mathematically). Contrary to earlier claims, we find that the amount of power concentrated in planar modes for $\ell=2,3$ is not inconsistent with isotropy and Gaussianity. The multipoles' alignment, however, is indeed anomalous, and extends up to $\ell=5$ rejecting statistical isotropy with a probability in excess of 99.9%. There is also an uncanny correlation of azimuthal phases between $\ell=3$ and $\ell=5$. We are unable to blame these effects on foreground contamination or large-scale systematic errors. We show how this reappraisal may be crucial in identifying the theoretical model behind the anomaly.
Land Kate
Magueijo Joao
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