A Wide Field, Low Frequency Radio Survey of the Field of M31: I. Construction and Statistical Analysis of the Source Catalog

Abstract

We present here the results of a 325 MHz radio survey of M31, conducted with the A-configuration of the Very Large Array. The survey covered an area of 7.6 deg${}^2$, and a total of 405 radio sources between $\la$6\arcsec and 170\arcsec in extent were mapped with a resolution of 6\arcsec and a 1$\sigma$ sensitivity of $\sim$0.6 \mjyb. For each source, its morphological class, major axis ${\theta }_M$, minor axis ${\theta }_m$, position angle ${\theta }_{PA}$, peak flux $I$, integrated flux density $S$, spectral index $\alpha$ and spectral curvature parameter $\varphi$ were calculated. A comparison of the flux and radial distribution -- both in the plane of the sky and in the plane of M31 -- of these sources with those of the XMM--LSS and WENSS radio surveys revealed that a vast majority of sources detected are background radio galaxies. As a result of this analysis, we expect that only a few sources are intrinsic to M31. These sources are identified and discussed in an accompanying paper.

arXiv comment29 pages with 4 tables and 10 figures (JPEGs), accepted for publication in ApJS. Full-resolution images available on request

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• Distance to M31 With the HST and Hipparcos Red Clump Stars
• A Sample of 669 Ultra Steep Spectrum Radio Sources to Find High Redshift Radio Galaxies
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• Supernova remnants and candidates detected in the XMM-Newton M31 large survey
• What is flat ΛCDM, and may we choose it?
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• HST and LAMOST discover a dual active galactic nucleus in J0038+4128
• Widefield VLBI observations of M31: A Unique Probe of the Ionized ISM of a nearby galaxy
• The Discovery of QSOs Behind M31 and M33
• A Wide Field, Low Frequency Radio Image of the Field of M31: II. -- Source Classification and Discussion
• The X-ray Transient 2XMMi J003833.3+402133: A Candidate Magnetar at High Galactic Latitude
• SN 1885A and supernova remnants in the centre of M31 with LOFAR