Planck PR2 SZ Cluster PWS List: Galaxy Clusters Detected via Sunyaev-Zeldovich Effect

Planck Data Release 2 contains a union catalog of galaxy clusters detected through their Sunyaev-Zel'dovich effect signature. Three independent detection pipelines—MMF1, MMF3, and PowellSnakes—were used to create candidate lists, with the main catalog providing coordinates, signal-to-noise ratios, and external validation details. This dataset was released by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and last updated in March 2026.

Use Cases

• Validate galaxy cluster detection algorithms based on the comparison of three independent pipelines (MMF1, MMF3, PwS).
• Study the spatial distribution of galaxy clusters based on provided celestial coordinates.
• Assess detection confidence for candidate clusters based on the signal-to-noise ratio data.
• Cross-match and validate cluster identifications using the external validation information summary.

Strengths

• Provides a union catalog from three independent detection pipelines, allowing for consistency checks.
• 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 and dataset scale are unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Collection Method

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

Time Range

Coverage corresponds to the Planck mission observational period.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-03-13 18:13:23.672783; freshness should be verified.

Geography

All-sky celestial coverage.