Theoretical implications of superclustering

Three different studies presently discussed indicate the uniqueness of the system of rich clusters of galaxies in constraining theories of universal large-scale structure formation. An analysis of the systematic effects of contamination in the Abell catalog indicates that, while this effect is of some interest, the superclustering may actually be real and should accordingly be taken seriously. What makes the cluster distribution in the explosion scenario so powerful a concept in this context is that is emerges straightforwardly from generic topological considerations. 86 refs