Clustering in real space and in redshift space

Several aspects of the distortion introduced into extensive galaxy redshift surveys by the peculiar velocities associated with the inhomogeneous structure of the universe are explored. The problem of estimating the acceleration vector from a magnitude-limited redshift survey and the anisotropy of the galaxy clustering patterns are studied, restricting attention to large scales for which linear theory should be applicable. The determination of the density parameter from the Galaxy's infall to the local supercluster is addressed, and the influence of peculiar velocities on the morphology of clustering in the transition between the linear and nonlinear regimes is investigated.