The LOFAR Multifrequency Snapshot Sky Survey (MSSS): Status and Results

The Multifrequency Snapshot Sky Survey (MSSS) is the first large-area survey of the northern sky with the Low Frequency Array (LOFAR). By producing images of the sky at 16 frequencies from 30 to 160 MHz, MSSS probes the low-frequency sky at a sensitivity of order 10 mJy/beam, and angular resolution of 1-2 arcmin or better. It thus dramatically expands the frequency range sampled in high-resolution radio surveys, and, crucially, provides low-frequency spectral information about the detected sources. Using LOFAR's unique multi-beaming mode, the survey requires only a rather modest investment in observing time. MSSS began observations in late 2011, and has nearly completed observations in both frequency components (8 frequencies spanning the 30 to 74 MHz range, and another 8 spanning 120 to 160 MHz). MSSS has driven the initial development of the first production version of LOFAR's automatic Imaging Pipeline and spearheaded efforts aimed at solving some of the ongoing low-frequency calibration challenges. In this contribution, I will briefly review the survey design, including an overview of MSSS science topics. I will also present a status update, highlighting early results from the survey such as an in-depth look at the 100 square degree “MSSS Verification Field,” new sources discovered in MSSS images, and a sneak peek at the full survey area. I will conclude by describing plans for the future of MSSS, including the possibility of reprocessing the data to obtain enhanced data products such as higher resolution imaging and polarization. LOFAR, the Low Frequency Array designed and constructed by ASTRON, has facilities in several countries, that are owned by various parties (each with their own funding sources), and that are collectively operated by the International LOFAR Telescope (ILT) foundation under a joint scientific policy