Large-scale Density Inhomogeneities in the Universe in Nature 217 No. 5128 pp. 511-516, February 10, 1968 [REES-SCIAMA EFFECT]

London: Macmillian & Sons, 1968. 1st Edition. FIRST EDITION, bound full volume, OF REES & SCIAMA'S PREDICTION OF WHAT IS NOW CALLED THE "REES-SCIAMA EFFECT," an important correlation between galaxy density (the number of galaxies per square degree) and the temperature of the CMB in different parts of the universe. The effect is a nonlinear anistropy in the CMB caused by large scale density inhomogeneities in the universe such as quasar clusters. "The CMB radiation is a direct relic of the early universe. It is a unique and deep probe of both the thermal history of the early universe and the primordial perturbations in the matter distribution" (Tuluie, "Cosmic Microwave Background" AJ, 1996, 15).

In this paper, English physicists Martin Rees and Dennis Sciama argue and predict that these large scale density inhomogeneities and their "effect on the angular distribution of the cosmic black-body radiation" are the result of perturbations caused by photon passing through an inhomogeneous, expanding universe (Rees & Sciama, 1968, 511). Furthermore, they argue that this effect on the angular distribution could potentially be observable (ibid).

Rees & Sciama imagine "a photon passing through a sphere that is expanding differently than the rest of the universe" and from there, consider four effects (1) Blue shift due to photon falling into a larger potential well than it climbs out of. (2) Doppler shift due to the observer receding from the source. (3) Gravitational Redshift from expanding universe. (4) Time delay from the gravitational field" (Asai, Rees-Sciama Effect and Superstructures).

As a result of these considerations, Rees & Sciama argue that their effect "takes place when the gravitational potential well crossed by the photons varies during the flight travel time. Indeed, if the photons fall into a gravitational potential well different from the one they go out of, this induces a gravitational redshift (of the Sachs- Wolfe type). The variations in the potential wells are due essentially to the non-linear evolution of the structures. In the case when the potential well is deepened, the photons gained energy and are blue shifted while going towards the centre of a structure, and they lose even more energy than what they gain while going out. This difference results in a net red shift along that line of sight" (Lachièze-Rey. Theoretical and Observational Cosmology, 321). CONDITION & DETAILS: London: Macmillian & Sons. Complete issue in original wraps. Discreet ex-libris stamp on the front wrap. As is not uncommon, three neat holes near spine (for keeping given issues together) are present and do not affecting text. Evidencing no wear, this issue is also clean and bright inside and out. Very good+ condition.