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R.J. Brunner, S.G. Djorgovski (Astronomy, Caltech), C. Lonsdale, B. Madore (IPAC, Caltech), T. Prince (Physics, Caltech), A.S. Szalay (JHU)
Astronomy is entering a new era as both ground and space based, multi-wavelength, large area sky surveys are becoming publicly available. The resulting datasets are truly remarkable in their own right; however, a revolutionary step arises in the aggregation of these complimentary, multi-wavelength surveys. The federation of these surveys is generally performed using only spatial proximity requirements. This simplistic technique, however, masks many hazards, especially when dealing with multi-wavelength data of varying resolutions and depths. In contrast, we are developing a more powerful approach which utilizes all available data, as well as astronomical insights, to optimally determine source associations in a completely probabilistic approach.
Our project is currently cross-identifying the optical DPOSS catalog, the near-infrared 2MASS catalog, and the FIRST and NVSS radio catalogs. We are also incorporating the ROSAT faint source catalog into our cross-identification. Using the newly derived source association catalog, we will tackle several astrophysical problems which can be best addressed using our multi-wavelength approach: 1) characterize the multi-wavelength morphology of nearby galaxies, 2) quantify the population of active galaxies and quasars in a wavelength neutral approach, and 3) identify the relationship between these energetic systems and their local environments. Due to the public nature of all datasets involved in our analysis, we will publicly release all of our data as soon as it is scientifically verified..
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