ATNF Pulsar Observation Search

Overview | ATNF Pulsar Search | ATNF Pulsar Search Results | ATNF Pulsar Data Access and Download

Overview

The complete Parkes Pulsar Data Users Guide is available at http://www.atnf.csiro.au/observers/data/ppdu_guide.html.

This search allows users to search for observations taken from the Australia Telescope National Facility in Parkes using specific search criteria.

ATNF Pulsar Search

Users can use the following search fields to search for observations:

Source name/position

Source Name

The pulsar’s J name (position in the celestial sphere) that provides more precise coordinates of its location in the sky.

Right Ascension

One of two coordinates (the other: declination) on the celestial sphere. Right ascension is the celestial equivalent of terrestrial longitude. Both right ascension and longitude measure an angle from a zero point on an equator. For right ascension, the zero point is known as the first point of Aries, which is the place in the sky where the Sun crosses the celestial equator at the March equinox. It is customarily measured in hours, minutes, and seconds, with 24 hours being equivalent to a full circle.

Declination

One of two coordinates (the other: right ascension) on the celestial sphere. Declination in astronomy is comparable to geographic latitude, but projected onto the celestial sphere. Declination is measured in degrees north and south of the celestial equator. Points north of the celestial equator have positive declinations, while those to the south have negative declinations.

Search Window

Number of minutes of arc, forming a search radius from the central point.

Observation

Project

Start typing the required project code or name into the  Project field.

The Project code is an identification code given to observing projects granted time at the Parkes Observatory.

Observation Date

There are 2 options:

  • Observation date (UTC) – select date range
  • MJD – enter MJD Start and MJD End days to define the range

Note: Only one option can be used for a search. To use the other option you must first clear any values entered.

    UTC (Coordinated Universal Time)

    MJD (Modified Julian Date) start of the observation. (MJD: days from 17 November, 1858).

Filename

Enter part of the filename. You can use * for wildcard searches.

Frequency/band

Frequency (MHz)

Radio astronomy is a sub-field of astronomy that studies celestial objects at radio frequencies. This field is the centre frequency of the observation.

Band Name

The wavelength of the centre frequency.

Note: Only one option, Frequency or Band name, can be used for a search.
To use the other option you must set Band name to ‘Any, or clear Frequency values.

Observation Mode

Select required Observation mode

   PSR: known pulsars recorded in fold mode.

   Search: Un-folded observations.

Frontend

Select the required frontend.

Name of the telescope receiver used for the observation.

Backend

Select the required backend.

Name of the telescope digitising instrumentation used for the observation.

ATNF Pulsar Observation Search Results

Screenshot of search results page

Search parameters

The search parameters you selected are displayed at the top of the page.
Parameters with a ‘x’ can be deleted to refresh the search.

Filters

Filter facets that are available to further refine the search results.

  • Source name
  • Project ID
  • Backend
  • Observation type
  • Frontend

Buttons

The following buttons are available on the search results page:

  • Refine search – This button returns the user to the ATNF Pulsar Observation search  page with the search parameters retained from the previous search.
  • Configure columns – For each of the search results tabs there will be default set of columns with metadata. This function allows users to customise which columns are displayed within each tab by clicking “Configure columns” on the particular tab.

Configure columns

Click the ‘Configure Table Columns’ button.

Use the centre arrows to add and remove columns to be displayed, and the arrows above the ‘Save’ button to order columns.

Click the ‘Save’ button to view your configured columns.

ATNF Pulsar Data Access and Download

To retrieve data

  1. Select the data you wish to access by marking the checkbox(es) next to the items you’re interested in.
    The Download button at the top will display a count of the number of files selected for download.
  2. Click on the “Download” button at the top to select a format and method.
  3. Select the method you want.
  4. Check box for the Licence  Agreement.