MIRIS Paα Galactic Plane Survey. II. The Catalog of Paα Emission-line Sources

Abstract

Using data from the MIRIS Paα Galactic Plane Survey (MIPAPS), we present a Paα 1.87 um line image of the entire Galactic plane within the latitude range of -3° < b < +3°, revealing numerous Paα features. Based on the MIPAPS Paα image and the WISE H II region catalog, we compile a catalog of 1489 Paα emission-line sources in the Galactic plane within 90° < l < 330°. By comparing our Paα images with Hα images constructed from the IPHAS and VPHAS+ survey data, we demonstrate the advantages of Paα line observations. We identify 902 Paα sources associated with H II regions, and newly confirm 619 H II region candidates as definitive H II regions through Paα or Hα detections. We also identify 261 extended and 326 point-like Paα sources not included in the WISE catalog, most of which have Hα counterparts in the IPHAS or VPHAS+ images. A search of the SIMBAD database indicates that these sources originate from diverse object types. By measuring Paα and Hα fluxes, we estimate the E(B-V) color excesses derived from extended emissions for 138 Paα sources, showing good agreement with values obtained from spectrophotometry of ionizing stars in previous studies. Futhermore, we calculate total Lyman continuum luminosities for 42 Paα sources, providing constraints on the distances to H II regions and the spectral types of their ionizing stars. These results highlight the scientific potential of Paα line observations and the benefits of combining multiple hydrogen recombination lines in exploring ionized regions.