Mladen Martinis (Zagreb):

Ripley's K-function as a minus estimator and cosmic fractality

Abstract:

Based on the idea of a self similar universe, we studied the suitability of various statistical estimators for detecting fractal structures in the distribution of point particles (galaxies). We have found that standard estimators are inconsistent. Instead, we propose to use the Ripley's K-function as a minus estimator (no edge effects) which appears to be more comprehensive, simpler and easier to calculate. When applied to the cataloge data it gives fractal dimension D near 2. We also offer a small computer program