The Ariel V (3A) catalogue of X-ray sources - I. Sources at low galactic latitude ( b < 10 )

Abstract

A catalogue is presented of 109 X-ray sources at low galactic latitude (|b| < 10°) observed by the Leicester Sky Survey Instrument on Ariel V. The catalogue is based on observations extending over a 5½-yr period and gives details of the position (in some cases including an improved error box), 2–10 keV flux, X-ray variability and, where possible, the proposed optical identification of each source. Nine of the sources have not been previously reported. The flux calibration and sky coverage of the survey are described and a comparison is made with the 4U catalogue. The distribution, log N–log S relation, X-ray variability and optical identifications of the sources are then briefly discussed.