An Inconsistency in standard Maximum Likelihood Estimation of Bulk Flows

Abstract

Maximum Likelihood estimation of the bulk flow from radial peculiar motions of galaxies, generally assumes a constant velocity field inside the survey volume. The assumption is inconsistent with the definition of the bulk flow as the average of the peculiar velocity field over the relevant volume. This follows from a straightforward mathematical relation between the bulk flow of a sphere and the velocity potential on its surface. The inconsistency exists also for ideal data with exact radial velocities and full spatial coverage. Based on the same relation we propose a simple modification to correct for this inconsistency.