VAO Data Discovery Tool: An Example Query

The following is an example object search to help illustrate the use and capabilities of the VAO Data Discovery Tool. In this example, the user collects infrared image data about an astrophysical object or event. Some other query examples are listed below:

M101 Most objects have a default search radius from NED
M87 r=1.0d You can explicitly change the default search radius
Antennae The resolver recognizes many names
14h03m12.6s +54d20m56.7s If no radius is given a default of 0.2 degrees is used
14 03 12.6 54 20 56.7 Units are optional; equinox must be J2000
14:03.210 54:20.945 Many formats are accepted
180.468 -18.866 r=0.4 Default units are degrees in this case
Virgo Cluster The object can be quite extended
0 0 r=180d An all-sky search. Some restrictions exist.
T Tau young variable star in Taurus
HH 222 Herbig-Haro object 222 (Waterfall Nebula)
V380 Ori V380 Orionis (variable star near the Orion Nebula)
HD 39801 Betelgeuse
ZZ Ceti pulsating white dwarf

 

  1. Launch the VAO Data Discovery Tool.

  2. step1

    Select the 'Full Search' option from the drop-down menu. Note the example inputs (in blue font) and their formats underneath the text entry box. For this example, note in particular the sexagesimal coordinates format. When entered, this will be translated into J2000 decimal coordinates.


  3. step3

    Enter a position in sexagesimal format and a search radius (like 06:07:22.78+24:02:50.46 r=0.5) assuming it will be interpreted as having J2000 equinox, then hit return.

    step3


    An indication that the catalogs are being retrieved is given by the round search icon in the tab at the top of the search result panel. Note also the format of the coordinates that now appear at the top of the search results window. When the search has completed, the Data Discovery Tool will populate the Search Results and Filter panels with records found that match the input.

    Clicking any line in the Search Results Panel will bring up the associated Summary and Information panels beneath for that data set.

  4. step4

    Now filter the results by checking the 'Image' box in the 'Categories' filter, and the 'Infrared' box in the 'Waveband' filter. The results list will be narrowed by these selections. Choose one, as in the image above.

  5. Click the 'Load Records into New Table' button in the Search Summary panel.

    step5


    A new tab will be opened in the Search Results panel. When this new panel is selected, the Filters panel will appear blank.

  6. step6

    Next, select a data record of interest and click on it. The record details will now appear in the bottom panel.

  7. To download the data to the local machine, click on the URL link in the Record Detail panel. This will spawn a file system browser box so that selected file can be saved, renamed, and placed in the desired directory.

    step7


    This particular example yielded the following FITS image which was viewed by using Graphics Converter. The user may return to the results tab of interest to download as many files as desired.

 

 

 

 




Last modified: 15 July 2011
© 2011 VAO, LLC