Tests for Non-Gaussian Statistics in the DMR Four-Year Sky Maps
Preprint
- 12 January 1996
Abstract
We search the high-latitude portion of the COBE Differential Microwave Radiometers (DMR) 4-year sky maps for evidence of a non-Gaussian temperature distribution in the cosmic microwave background. The genus, 3-point correlation function, and 2-point correlation function of temperature maxima and minima are all in excellent agreement with the hypothesis that the CMB anisotropy on angular scales of 7 degrees or larger represents a random-phase Gaussian field. A likelihood comparison of the DMR sky maps to a set of random-phase non-Gaussian toy models selects the exact Gaussian model as most likely. Monte Carlo simulations show that the 2-point correlation of the peaks and valleys in the maps provides the greatest discrimination among the class of models tested.Keywords
All Related Versions
- Version 1, 1996-01-12, ArXiv
- Published version: The Astrophysical Journal, 464 (1), L29.
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