Planck PR2: Sunyaev-Zeldovich Galaxy Cluster Catalogs

Planck Data Release 2 includes catalogs of galaxy clusters detected via the Sunyaev-Zel'dovich effect. The data are the union of candidate sources from three independent detection pipelines: MMF1, MMF3, and PowellSnakes. The catalogs provide coordinates, signal-to-noise ratios, and external validation information including redshifts where available.

Use Cases

• Validate galaxy cluster detection algorithms based on the union of three independent pipeline results.
• Study the distribution and properties of galaxy clusters based on coordinates and signal-to-noise ratios.
• Cross-match cluster candidates with external catalogs based on provided validation information.
• Assess pipeline consistency for SZ detection by comparing the individual MMF1, MMF3, and PowellSnakes catalogs.

Strengths

• Provides a union catalog from three independent detection pipelines (MMF1, MMF3, PowellSnakes) for cross-validation.
• Includes external validation information such as cluster identification and redshift where available.
• Part of the authoritative Planck Data Release 2 from NASA.

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 Planck satellite's coverage and sensitivity.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Collection Method

Detected via multifrequency algorithms using the Sunyaev-Zel'dovich effect signature from Planck satellite data.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-03-13 17:17:30.446963; freshness should be verified.