Discovery and classification of two new Galactic symbiotic stars in the IGAPS footprint

Abstract Symbiotic stars are considered astrophysical laboratories due to their complex physical and chemical properties. Despite theoretical predictions suggesting the existence of at least 1,200 such systems in the Galaxy, only 284 have been identified to date, highlighting a significant discrepancy and suggesting an incomplete observational census. To solve this issue and expand the known population, we employed a data mining and cross−matching approach using IGAPS and SDSS survey data, applying selection criteria in both optical and infrared bands. This method led to the identification of 217 new symbiotic star candidates. To corroborate the nature of a sample of these candidates, we conducted optical spectroscopic follow-up observations. As a result, we confirmed two new S-type shell-burning symbiotic stars, IPHAS J190242.78−030037.0 and IPHAS J232159.63+555717.8, both exhibiting clear spectral features that allow a clear classification.