A 20 GHz bright sample for {\delta} > +72{\deg}: I. Catalogue

TL;DR

This paper presents a new 20 GHz source catalogue from a pilot survey using the Medicina 32-m dish, demonstrating the survey's methodology, data processing, and initial source counts, laying groundwork for the larger KNoWS project.

Contribution

It introduces a new 20 GHz source catalogue from a pilot survey, showcasing the data reduction process and confirming source counts consistent with previous surveys.

Findings

Catalogue includes 73 sources above 115 mJy

Survey is complete above 200 mJy flux density

Source counts agree with AT20G survey results

Abstract

During 2010-2011, the Medicina 32-m dish hosted the 7-feed 18-26.5 GHz receiver built for the Sardinia Radio Telescope, with the goal to perform its commissioning. This opportunity was exploited to carry out a pilot survey at 20 GHz over the area for {\delta} > + 72.3{\deg}. This paper describes all the phases of the observations, as they were performed using new hardware and software facilities. The map-making and source extraction procedures are illustrated. A customised data reduction tool was used during the follow-up phase, which produced a list of 73 confirmed sources down to a flux density of 115 mJy. The resulting catalogue, here presented, is complete above 200 mJy. Source counts are in agreement with those provided by the AT20G survey. This pilot activity paves the way to a larger project, the K-band Northern Wide Survey (KNoWS), whose final aim is to survey the whole Northern Hemisphere down to a flux limit of 50 mJy (5{\sigma}).