The MCXC: a Meta-Catalogue of X-ray detected Clusters of galaxies

TL;DR

The MCXC is a comprehensive, homogenized meta-catalogue of 1743 X-ray detected galaxy clusters from multiple surveys, providing standardized data for advanced astrophysical research.

Contribution

This work compiles and homogenizes data from various X-ray cluster catalogues into a single, large meta-catalogue with standardized properties and detailed information on overlaps and individual objects.

Findings

Includes 1743 clusters with no duplicates

Provides standardized luminosity, mass, and radius data

Facilitates multi-wavelength astrophysical studies

Abstract

We present the compilation and properties of a Meta-Catalogue of X-ray detected Clusters of galaxies, the MCXC. This very large catalogue is based on publicly available ROSAT All Sky Survey-based (NORAS, REFLEX, BCS, SGP, NEP, MACS, and CIZA) and serendipitous (160SD, 400SD, SHARC, WARPS, and EMSS) cluster catalogues. Data have been systematically homogenised to an overdensity of 500, and duplicate entries originating from overlaps between the survey areas of the individual input catalogues are carefully handled. The MCXC comprises 1743 clusters with virtually no duplicate entries. For each cluster the MCXC provides: three identifiers, a redshift, coordinates, membership of original catalogue, and standardised 0.1-2.4 keV band luminosity L_500, total mass M_500, and radius R_500. The meta-catalogue additionally furnishes information on overlaps between the input catalogues and the luminosity ratios when measurements from different surveys are available, and also gives notes on individual objects. The MCXC is available in electronic format for maximum usefulness in X-ray, SZ, and multi-wavelength studies.