Tests of Randomness in Astronomical Objects. I. Along Single Great Circles

Abstract

Results are presented for the first of two extensive computer tests for nonrandomness in the interobject positions of astronomical objects. The aim is to test the two predictions: the geometrical effect that it is impossible to put an arbitrarily large number of objects on the surface of a sphere and have them all randomly equivalent; and the physical effect that any astronomical objects which occur in clumps or clusters (like galaxies) should show the predicted regular-chain effect of Scott et at. (1954). Four other physical effects expected to give rise to nonrandomness are also discussed, including the Arp hypothesis