2MASS 6X: Merged Extended Source Information from Deep Infrared Survey

590 square degrees of sky were observed with exposures six times longer than the main 2MASS survey, probing about one magnitude deeper. The merged source tables contain mean positions, magnitudes, and uncertainties for sources detected multiple times, along with statistics for testing source motion and variability. This data was produced by NASA's 2MASS observatory during its final months of operation.

Use Cases

• Detecting faint extended sources based on deep infrared observations.
• Analyzing source variability or proper motion based on the provided confirmation statistics.
• Studying the structure of the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds based on the 383 and 127 square degree surveys.
• Investigating specific targets like the Pleiades, M31, or star formation complexes mentioned in the description.

Strengths

• Observations probe approximately one magnitude deeper than the main 2MASS survey.
• Covers approximately 590 square degrees of sky across 30 targeted regions.
• Includes two large surveys of the Magellanic Clouds (383 and 127 square degrees).

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• Data may reflect observational bias inherent to the 30 targeted regions scanned.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), 2MASS observatory.

Collection Method

Targeted 'long exposure' freeze-frame scanning with READ2-READ1 exposures six times longer than the main survey.

Time Range

Observations conducted during the final months of 2MASS observatory operations.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-03-13 18:05:13.430772; freshness should be verified.

Geography

Sky coverage includes 30 targeted regions, with concentrations on the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds, the Pleiades, M31, galactic star formation complexes, nearby galaxy clusters, and the Lockman Hole.