Galactic Center X-Ray and Infrared Source Cross-Match Catalog

5184 candidate infrared counterparts to 9017 X-ray sources detected by the Chandra Observatory near the Galactic center. NASA HEASARC created this catalog in October 2009 from published research, providing probabilities for real associations. The data distinguishes red and blue infrared sources to separate foreground objects from those near the Galactic center.

Use Cases

• Identify high-mass X-ray binaries and Wolf-Rayet stars based on red infrared counterparts to hard X-ray sources.
• Study foreground coronally active dwarf stars based on blue infrared counterparts to soft X-ray sources.
• Investigate recent star formation near the Sagittarius B H II region using the noted collection of ~20 red counterparts.
• Plan spectroscopic surveys to confirm real infrared counterparts using the provided association probabilities.
• Analyze the spatial distribution of hard versus soft X-ray sources relative to the Galactic plane.

Strengths

• Catalog contains 5184 candidate matches derived from 9017 Chandra X-ray point sources.
• Includes derived probabilities for real associations, aiding in validation efforts.
• Uses cross-correlation with two established infrared catalogs (2MASS and SIRIUS).
• Distinguishes sources with statistical confidence intervals (e.g., 5.8% +/- 1.5% of hard X-ray sources have real counterparts).

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 2009; newer observations may not be included.

Provenance

Source

NASA HEASARC, based on a table from the Astrophysical Journal.

Collection Method

Cross-correlation of Chandra X-ray source positions with 2MASS and SIRIUS near-infrared catalogs.

Time Range

Observations from the past decade prior to 2009, including a recent deep survey.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-03-13 18:18:30.714650; freshness should be verified.

Geography

Central 2 degrees x 0.8 degrees of the Galactic plane, focusing on the Galactic center.