Kepler Ancillary Files

Kepler makes several ancillary data files available to users. Documentation regarding each file type may be found in the Kepler Archive Manual.

• Cotrending Basis Vectors (CBV) Files
  The CBVs may be used to mitigate instrumental signatures in Kepler light curves when the PDC light curve is inadequate for your science. One CBV is available each quarter and is listed with links to download the files along with documentation and sites describing how to use them.
  
  
• Focal Plane Characterization Models
  A collection of models that describe the properties of the CCD and the focal plane. Currently only the Pixel Response Function (PRF) is available: a tar ball containing the entire data set is available along with documentation.
  
  
• Full Frame Image (FFI) and Engineering Data Search
  Images of the entire Kepler Field are typically taken three times during the quarter and are used to confirm the proper orientation and placement of the detector and to assess photometer health. The FFI uncalibrated, calibrated and uncertainties files are available. FFIs may also be downloaded via anonymous ftp at /pub/kepler/ffi, or via the browser at http://archive.stsci.edu/pub/kepler/ffi . To display individual channels from any of the FFI images, and overlay various catalogs, see the FFI_Display page.

  The following engineering files may also be retrieved: Long and Short Cadence Collateral (COLL & COLS) files, Artifact Removal Pixel (ARP) files, Background Pixel (BKG) files, and Reverse Clock (RVC) files.
  
  

• SPICE Kernals for Kepler
  The latest SPICE kernals (i.e., the bsp and tsc binary files) are available for download here to calculate the Kepler spacecraft ephemerides. They are available via anonymous ftp at /pub/kepler/spice, or via the browser at http://archive.stsci.edu/pub/kepler/spice . See the Navigation and Ancillary Information Facility (NAIF) web site for information on using SPICE Kernals.