Large scale structures up to 5h−1 mpc, the galaxy-galaxy correlation length and the size of typical galaxy groups and clusters, can be produced quite naturally from explosions originating in young galaxies (Ostriker and Cowie, 1981: “OC”) or quasars (Ikeuchi, 1981: “I”) with energy output of 1061 ergs. But very large-scale structure in the 25 mpc −50 mpc range possibly indicated by cluster-cluster correlations (Bahcall, 1987a), can only be produced by much more energetic events of 1065 ergs which are far beyond the output of any objects currently known. This follows simply from the dimensional arguments which give R = c(Eσ/t2)0.2 implicit in the classic Seldov-Taylor solution and cosmological analogs (cf Ostriker, 1986). Thus very large scale structure can only be produced by explosions if many small ones can coalesce suitably at early epochs (OC) or single giant events are produced by exotic objects such as superconducting cosmic strings (Ostriker, Thompson and Witten 1986: “OTW”). If however these large events do occur, then many specific properties of very large-scale structures will be produced quite naturally (cf Bahcall, 1987b, Weinberg, Ostriker and Dekel, 1987 “WOD”). Before discussing these points, it is appropriate to say a few words on the importance of hydrodynamics in general and explosions in particular, since the latter will certainly be a consequence of galaxy formation even if they are not the primary cause.
Connection of large-scale structures of the galaxy distribution behind the southern Milky Way
