Work

Minkowski functionals used in the morphological analysis of cosmic microwave background anisotropy maps

Year: 1998

Type: article

Abstract: We present a novel approach to quantifying the morphology of cosmic microwave background (CMB) anisotropy maps. As morphological descriptors, we use shape parameters known as Minkowski functionals. Using the mathematical framework provided by the theory of integral geometry on arbitrary curved supports, we point out the differences in their characterization and interpretation in the case of flat space. With the restrictions of real data — such as pixelization and incomplete sky coverage, to mention just a few — in mind, we derive and test unbiased estimators for all Minkowski functionals. Various examples, among them the analysis of the four-year COBE DMR data, illustrate the application of our method.

Source: Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society

DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-8711.1998.01467.x

Authors: J. Schmalzing, K. M. Gorski

Institutions: Max Planck Institute for Astrophysics, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, University of Copenhagen, University of Warsaw

Language: English

Topic: Cosmology and Gravitation Theories

Subfield: Astronomy and Astrophysics

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Goddard Space Flight Center

OpenAlex ID: W2141718429

FWCI: 7.107

Cites: 6

Cited by: 249

Related to: 10