Archive Overview

Data Organization

The ACS science data archive is currently the responsibility of the Johns Hopkins University. The data is organized into three categories:

ACS_PREFLT

Any data that has been collected from the assembled instrument, prior to launch. This includes instrument and subsystem level calibration data. It is organized on compact disc according to a database entry number assigned by the ACS_LOG IDL database, and written in FITS format.

ACS_FILTER_DATA

Data from the filter component testing at the Diffraction Grating Evaluation Facility at Goddard Space Flight Center. These data are written to cdrom in a modified Photometrics CC200 camera file format and are intended for use with the TOFU analysis software.

CCD

Any data collected from ccd component testing. These data include that taken with the JHU cold camera, the Ball cold camera, etc. These data were written to cdrom in FITS format and organized on disc by serial number. Refer to the reference table.

Storage

All ACS data is stored on compact disc. Each disc can hold up to 650 Megabytes of data. All data, except those in the ACS_FILTER_DATA set, are stored in gzip compressed, FITS format.

Copies of all compact discs that are part of the ACS archive are located in a cd storage cabinet in room 218C of the Bloomberg Center for Physics and Astronomy. In addition a duplicate set of all ACS_PREFLT discs travel with the instrument and the calibration team workstations.

Finding what you need

Use the online preflight database to find the data you need.
Now there is also a searchable CCD database online.

Access

Anyone on the ACS project may check out and use archived data. The cdrom archive resides in a cabinet in room 218 of the Bloomberg Center for Physics and Astronomy. While on-site ACS personnel have access to this room, STScI employees must arrange for access through the acs-archive point of contact. Anyone borrowing a CD is required to sign the register, which sits atop the cd cabinet. All CDs must be returned within one week of checkout.

Questions/comments to acs-archive@adcam.pha.jhu.edu