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

A union catalog of galaxy clusters detected via the Sunyaev-Zeldovich effect, released as part of Planck Data Release 2. The list includes coordinates, signal-to-noise ratios, and external validation information like redshifts. It combines results from three independent detection pipelines: MMF1, MMF3, and PowellSnakes.

Use Cases

• Validate galaxy cluster detection algorithms based on the comparison of three independent pipelines (MMF1, MMF3, PowellSnakes).
• Study the distribution and properties of galaxy clusters based on coordinates and signal-to-noise ratios.
• Cross-match and validate cluster candidates based on external identification and redshift information.
• Analyze the consistency and reliability of Sunyaev-Zeldovich effect detections from the Planck mission.

Strengths

• Provides a union catalog combining results from three independent detection methods (MMF1, MMF3, PowellSnakes).
• Includes external validation information such as cluster identification and available redshifts.
• Released as a component of the authoritative Planck Data Release 2.

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.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Collection Method

Detected using multifrequency algorithms on Planck satellite data via the Sunyaev-Zeldovich effect.

Time Range

Planck mission observational period.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-03-13 17:53:23.486490; freshness should be verified.

Geography

All-sky survey.