Was there more galaxy clustering in early Universe?

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SUMMARY

The discussion confirms that the expansion of the Universe does not lead to less clustering; rather, it influences the characteristics of galaxy formation. In an expanding Universe, overdense regions can collapse if they possess sufficient mass relative to their size. However, a faster rate of expansion necessitates greater mass or smaller sizes for collapse to occur. Consequently, in a rapidly expanding Universe, galaxies tend to be less massive and more distantly spaced.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of cosmic expansion and its effects on galaxy formation
  • Knowledge of gravitational collapse in astrophysics
  • Familiarity with concepts of mass density in cosmology
  • Basic principles of galaxy clustering and distribution
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the role of dark energy in cosmic expansion
  • Study the effects of mass density on galaxy clustering
  • Explore simulations of galaxy formation in expanding universes
  • Learn about observational techniques for measuring galaxy distances and masses
USEFUL FOR

Astronomers, astrophysicists, and students of cosmology who are interested in the dynamics of galaxy formation and the impact of cosmic expansion on structure in the Universe.

SteveDC
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Has the expansion of the Universe caused less clustering? If the expanding Universe is causing volume of space to increase, to me it would make sense that clustering would be impacted as a result of this.
 
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No, there's more clustering.
 
SteveDC said:
Has the expansion of the Universe caused less clustering? If the expanding Universe is causing volume of space to increase, to me it would make sense that clustering would be impacted as a result of this.
If there wasn't at least some expansion, then there'd be no clustering at all as the universe would just have recollapsed on itself.

The rate of expansion does have an impact on clustering, but it's not terribly simple. In essence, in an expanding universe, an overdense region will collapse in on itself if it has enough mass relative to its size. If it's too spread out, it won't collapse. If it doesn't have enough mass, it won't collapse. With a faster rate of expansion, it needs more mass or a smaller size to collapse.

So all other things being equal, in a universe that is expanding faster you'll get less massive galaxies that are further away from one another.
 

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