Exploring the 2MASS Astronomical Catalogue
This catalogue-analysis project used infrared point-source measurements from the Two Micron All Sky Survey to identify an unusual stellar population through its colours.
Overview
Rather than selecting a known class of objects in advance, the analysis began with a subgroup that stood apart from the larger catalogue population. A colour-colour diagram was then used to compare those sources with the expected stellar main sequence.
The selected population showed low H−K values and J−H values clustered around 0.6. The results suggested that these sources could be evolved stars that have left the main sequence, although additional observations would be needed for a firm classification.
