Confusion of Extragalactic Sources in the Mid‐ and Far‐Infrared: <i>Spitzer</i> and Beyond

Abstract

We use the source counts measured with the Multiband Imaging Photometer for Spitzer at 24, 70, and 160 μm to determine the 5 σ confusion limits due to extragalactic sources: 56 μJy, 3.2 mJy, and 40 mJy at 24, 70, and 160 μm, respectively. We also make predictions for confusion limits for a number of proposed far-infrared missions of larger aperture (3.5-10 m diameter).