PEC - aavso.org · SPECDB as a leading repository for spectroscopy of variable stars. Motivated by...
1
SPECDB Variable Star Spectral Repository American Association of Variable Star Observers Stella Kafka and John Weaver with George Silvis, Bert Pablo, Sara Beck, Ryan Maderak, and Ron DiIulio Accessible to any astronomer with the capability to perform spectroscopy, SPECDB opens a new door of discovery with spectroscopy of variable stars and novae. The highly productive community of photometric amateur astronomers has produced a new group of strongly motivated spectroscopists eager to contribute their spectra to a scientifically recognized platform. Once approved by a member of our validation team, an observer will be able to submit reduced 1-D spectra to our database, SPECDB, where they will be automatically checked for inconsistencies. If no inconsistencies are found, the spectra will be published so that science users can search, preview, and download the observations to include in scientific publications. MOTIVATION HOW IT WORKS FEATURES GET INVOLVED ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS We acknowledge with thanks, AAVSO volunteers for testing early versions of the database, and for their valuable guidance on various aspects of the SpecDB. This research makes use of Django and MySQL, as well as Astropy, a community-developed core Python package for Astronomy (Astropy Collaboration, 2013). JW acknowledges the financial support of the Margaret Mayall Fellowship. SPECDB works on a two step principle. First time contributors must submit a spectrum they have observed from a selection of several “standard” non-variable stars. The observation must adhere to a FITS format, containing a 1D spectrum and a few mandatory keywords. Spectra must be reduced via flat-fielding and wavelength calibration. Once submitted, the observation is then immediately reviewed by our systems and the contributor is alerted to any errors. If none are found, the successful observation is further reviewed by a member of our validation team. Issues arising from improper calibration and problematic technique are flagged here. The contributor is then notified whether or not they have been approved. Unsuccessful contributors will received feedback to help address any issues. Approved contributors will be allowed to submit freely. This project builds on the century long community of the AAVSO and the growing numbers of amateur spectroscopics around the world to establish SPECDB as a leading repository for spectroscopy of variable stars. Motivated by our vibrant community, SPECDB features several user- friendly tools to help new contributors publish their observations and to allow scientists to quickly find and download relevant observations. Instant Feedback File Preview Search Engine The AAVSO is committed to enabling any astronomer, amateur or professional, to contribute to our understanding of variable stars. All you need is a telescope, spectrograph or grating, and a CCD. Several reduction software packages are available to prepare your observations for SPECDB. Interested? Talk with us in person or email [email protected]!
Transcript of PEC - aavso.org · SPECDB as a leading repository for spectroscopy of variable stars. Motivated by...
SPECDBVariable Star Spectral RepositoryAmerican Association of Variable Star Observers
Stella Kafka and John Weaver with George Silvis, Bert Pablo, Sara Beck,
Ryan Maderak, and Ron DiIulio
Accessible to any astronomer with the capability to perform spectroscopy, SPECDB opens a new door of discovery with spectroscopy of variable stars and novae. The highly productive community of photometric amateur astronomers has produced a new group of strongly motivated spectroscopists eager to contribute their spectra to a scientifically recognized platform. Once approved by a member of our validation team, an observer will be able to submit reduced 1-D spectra to our database, SPECDB, where they will be automatically checked for inconsistencies. If no inconsistencies are found, the spectra will be published so that science users can search, preview, and download the observations to include in scientific publications.
MOTIVATION
HOW IT WORKS FEATURES
GET INVOLVED
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
We acknowledge with thanks, AAVSO volunteers for testing early versions of the database, and for their valuable guidance on various aspects of the SpecDB. This research makes use of Django and MySQL, as well as Astropy, a community-developed core Python package for Astronomy (Astropy Collaboration, 2013). JW acknowledges the financial support of the Margaret Mayall Fellowship.
SPECDB works on a two step principle. First time contributors must submit a spectrum they have observed from a selection of several “standard” non-variable stars. The observation must adhere to a FITS format, containing a 1D spectrum and a few mandatory keywords. Spectra must be reduced via flat-fielding and wavelength calibration.
Once submitted, the observation is then immediately reviewed by our systems and the contributor is alerted to any errors. If none are found, the successful observation is further reviewed by a member of our validation team. Issues arising from improper calibration and problematic technique are flagged here. The contributor is then notified whether or not they have been approved. Unsuccessful contributors will received feedback to help address any issues.
Approved contributors will be allowed to submit freely. This project builds on the century long community of the AAVSO and the growing numbers of amateur spectroscopics around the world to establish SPECDB as a leading repository for spectroscopy of variable stars.
Motivated by our vibrant community, SPECDB features several user-friendly tools to help new contributors publish their observations and to allow scientists to quickly find and download relevant observations.
Instant Feedback
File Preview
Search Engine
The AAVSO is committed to enabling any astronomer, amateur or professional, to contribute to our understanding of variable stars. All you need is a telescope, spectrograph or grating, and a CCD. Several reduction software packages are available to prepare your observations for SPECDB.
Interested? Talk with us in person or email [email protected]!
