Tests of Randomness in Astronomical Objects. II. Along Two Orthogonal Great Circles

Abstract

A refinement in computing technique and the use of the von Neumann ratio test are shown to improve the detectability of nonrandomness in astronomical object positions. Correlation is confirmed for those objects (bright galaxies and bright stars) shown to be nonrandomly distributed in Part I. The presence of correlation is also demonstrated, with ~ 10: 1 likelihood ratio at the 98 % confidence level, for the other groups of objects considered in Part I (QSOs, pulsars, planetary nebulae and Arp peculiar objects).