On the detection of point sources in CMB maps

TL;DR

This paper evaluates point source detection methods in WMAP7 CMB maps, identifying known sources and discovering new candidates, thereby enhancing the understanding of foreground contamination in CMB data.

Contribution

It applies a specific detection technique using the Kolmogorov parameter to WMAP7 data, identifying both known and new point source candidates.

Findings

Detected known point sources in WMAP7 data

Discovered 2 new point source candidates

Confirmed 7 sources listed in Planck catalogue

Abstract

We use the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe 7-year data (WMAP7) to further probe point source detection technique in the sky maps of the cosmic microwave background (CMB) radiation. The method by Tegmark et al. for foreground reduced maps and the Kolmogorov parameter as the descriptor are adopted for the analysis of WMAP satellite CMB temperature data. Part of the detected points coincide with point sources already revealed by other methods. However, we have also found 2 source candidates for which still no counterparts are known, and identified 7 point sources listed in Planck Early Release Compact Source Catalogue as high reliability sources.