The LOFAR LBA Sky Survey. I. Survey description and preliminary data release

Vol. 648
14. Catalogs and data

The LOFAR LBA Sky Survey. I. Survey description and preliminary data release

The sky at frequencies below 100 MHz has to date been systematically mapped to only 100 mJy noise levels and arcminute resolution. The LOFAR LBA Sky Survey (LoLSS) is using the LOFAR array to map the Northern Hemisphere in the 42 to 66 MHz frequency band to millijansky noise levels and 15" resolution. Gasperin et al. describe the first data release of the survey, which uses a preliminary processing pipeline to make public images and catalogs for a 750 square degree contiguous sky patch. At a 5 mJy noise level and 45" angular resolution, this early release represents both a major step forward and a taste of what future releases will deliver.