The Infrared Astronomical Satellite (IRAS) was a joint project of the US, UK and
the Netherlands. The IRAS mission performed an unbiased, sensitive all sky
survey at 12, 25, 60 and 100 µm. IRAS increased the number of cataloged
astronomical sources by about 70%, detecting about 350,000 infrared sources.
IRAS discoveries included a disk of dust grains around the star Vega, six new
comets, and very strong infrared emission from interacting galaxies as well as
wisps of warm dust called infrared cirrus which could be found in almost every
direction of space. IRAS also revealed for the first time the core of our
galaxy, the Milky Way. The satellite design and survey strategy were optimized
for maximally reliable detection of point sources. Pointed observations, known
as Additional Observations or AOs, were also done, interspersed with the survey
observations.
If you use IRAS catalog data, please cite the appropriate reference and/or DOI
for that catalog as listed below.
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IRAS Overview
IRSA Catalog Search Tool: IRAS