Cepheus A SFR: X-Ray Point Source Catalog from XMM-Newton

A 43.9 kilosecond observation of the Cepheus A star formation region by the XMM-Newton observatory on 2003 August 23. The catalog lists 102 distinct X-ray sources detected, with 24 soft-band and 85 hard-band sources, cross-matched with optical and IR counterparts. This table was created by NASA's HEASARC in July 2007 based on the CDS catalog J/ApJ/626/272.

Use Cases

• Identify pre-main-sequence stars based on X-ray emission and reddening of optical/IR counterparts.
• Analyze X-ray source distribution between the Cep A East and Cep A West H II regions.
• Study X-ray emission from Herbig-Haro objects like HH 168, which is noted as a source of high-temperature X-rays.
• Cross-match X-ray sources with external catalogs like USNO-B1.0 and 2MASS for multi-wavelength analysis.

Strengths

• Contains 102 distinct X-ray sources from a targeted 44 ks observation.
• Sources are detected in two specific energy bands (0.2-1 keV and 1-10 keV), providing spectral information.
• Positions are cross-matched with the USNO-B1.0 and 2MASS catalogs using a 2.5" radius, aiding identification.

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• Data is from a single observation in 2003; temporal coverage is limited.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA HEASARC)

Collection Method

Source detection performed on XMM-Newton EPIC camera data from a 43.9 ks observation.

Time Range

Observation date: 2003 August 23.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-03-13 17:32:06.071921; freshness should be verified.

Geography

Cepheus A star formation region at a distance of approximately 730 parsecs.