XMM-Newton 2XMMi-DR3: 4,330 Classified X-Ray Source Detections

NASA HEASARC provides a catalog of 19,637 X-ray detections from 4,330 unique sources, classified by the XMM Newton observatory. The authors classified sources into stars, active galactic nuclei (AGNs), and compact object systems based on X-ray-to-IR flux ratios, spectral properties, and variability. This table was created by the HEASARC in October 2012 based on data from a reference paper published in the Astrophysical Journal.

Use Cases

• Classifying X-ray sources into stellar, AGN, or compact object categories based on X-ray-to-IR flux ratios and spectral hardness.
• Studying long-term X-ray flux variability in AGNs, where the median variation factor is reported as 1.48.
• Identifying candidate ultraluminous X-ray sources noted for their lower variability compared to other accreting compact objects.
• Estimating false identification probabilities for candidate source types, reported as 1% for stars, 3% for AGNs, and 18% for compact object systems.

Strengths

• Contains 4,330 unique X-ray sources with a literature-based classification for approximately one-third of them.
• Provides specific astrophysical parameters, such as the AGN power-law photon index centered around 1.91 +/- 0.31.
• Includes 19,637 individual detections, allowing for temporal analysis of source behavior.

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count for the main source list is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• The data originates from a 2012 creation date, though the metadata shows a future update timestamp; scientific freshness should be verified.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA HEASARC)

Collection Method

Classification of X-ray sources from the 2XMMi-DR3 catalog based on XMM-Newton observations and literature cross-matching.

Time Range

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Freshness

Last updated 2026-03-13 18:52:40.427725; freshness should be verified.

Geography

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