Detection of a Nearby Halo Debris Stream in the WISE and 2MASS Surveys

TL;DR

This paper reports the discovery of a nearby stellar debris stream named Alpheus, identified through combined infrared and near-infrared sky surveys, which may be associated with the globular cluster NGC 288.

Contribution

The study introduces the detection of a new stellar debris stream using combined WISE and 2MASS data, providing insights into its properties and possible origin.

Findings

Discovered a 24-degree stellar debris stream called Alpheus.

Estimated the stream's distance at approximately 1.9 kpc.

Suggested a possible association with globular cluster NGC 288.

Abstract

Combining the Wide-Field Infrared Survey Explorer All-Sky Release with the 2MASS Point Source Catalog, we detect a nearby, moderately metal-poor stellar debris stream spanning 24 degrees across the southern sky. The stream, which we designate Alpheus, is at an estimated distance of ~1.9 kpc. Its position, orientation, width, estimated metallicity, and to some extent its distance, are in approximate agreement with what one might expect of the leading tidal tail of the southern globular cluster NGC 288.