Global Sky Models can Improve Flux Estimates in Pulsar and FRB Studies

TL;DR

Using global sky models instead of simple frequency-scaling of the Haslam map enhances the accuracy of flux estimates in pulsar and FRB research, promoting a more reliable approach.

Contribution

The paper advocates replacing traditional frequency-scaling methods with global sky models for better flux estimation accuracy in pulsar and FRB studies.

Findings

Global sky models improve flux estimate accuracy.

Frequency-scaling of the Haslam map is less reliable.

Adoption of sky models is recommended for future work.

Abstract

It is commonplace in pulsar and fast radio burst (FRB) literature to estimate sky temperature by frequency-scaling of the Haslam et al. (1982) 408 MHz map. I suggest that this practice should stop, in favor of using readily-available global sky models of diffuse foregrounds. This practical change will improve accuracy of pulse flux estimates.