We combine adaptive template fitting and pixel count statistics in order to assess the nature of the Galactic Center excess in Fermi-LAT data. We reconstruct the flux distribution of point sources well below the Fermi-LAT detection threshold, and measure their radial and longitudinal profiles in the inner Galaxy. We find that all point sources and the bulge-correlated diffuse emission each contributes $\mathcal{O}(10\%)$ of the total inner Galaxy emission, and disclose a potential subthreshold point-source contribution to the Galactic Center excess.

• Received 4 March 2021
• Revised 11 May 2021
• Accepted 3 September 2021

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.127.161102