C2D Perseus Epoch 1: Transient Sources in a Molecular Cloud

The C2D Perseus Epoch 1 Transient Sources Catalog lists transient sources detected above 1.6 mJy in MIPS observations of the Perseus molecular cloud region. This data was produced by the Cores to Disks (C2D) Spitzer Legacy Program, which used Spitzer Space Telescope instruments to observe sources spanning the evolutionary sequence from molecular cores to protoplanetary disks. The catalog was last updated on March 13, 2026.

Use Cases

• Identify candidate protostars and substellar objects based on infrared flux thresholds.
• Study the evolution of circumstellar dust, the raw material for planetary cores, in young systems.
• Analyze transient source populations in the Perseus molecular cloud region.
• Cross-reference infrared observations with data from other wavelengths to characterize stellar formation environments.

Strengths

• Data originates from the Spitzer Space Telescope's three instruments (IRAC, MIPS, and IRS), a major NASA observatory.
• Targets a specific, scientifically significant region: the Perseus molecular cloud, one of the nearest large molecular clouds.
• Observations probe a wide range of evolutionary stages, from molecular cores to protoplanetary disks, and a wide range of cloud and stellar masses.

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment for large-scale statistical analysis.
• Description metadata is limited; actual data quality and completeness require manual inspection after download.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Collection Method

Observations from the Spitzer Space Telescope's IRAC, MIPS, and IRS instruments as part of the Cores to Disks (C2D) Legacy Program.

Time Range

Observations likely span the operational period of the Spitzer Space Telescope, but specific epoch dates are not provided.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-03-13 17:34:09.609768; freshness should be verified.

Geography

Focuses on the Perseus molecular cloud region.