C IUE Data Processing and Shipping Procedures

The Guest Observer is responsible for designating how his/her scientific data is processed and shipped. The processing specifications box on the script should be completed for each observation. There are no defaults. Below is a brief description of the options available. Details are presented in the IUE Image Processing Manual - Version 2, available upon request.

1. Processing Type: Choose one.
   Point Source (high and low dispersion)
   Extended Source (only low dispersion)
   Trailed (only low dispersion)
   Full Aperture (only high dispersion): equivalent to extended source processing for low dispersion.
2. Process Both Apertures: Check this box if you have acquired both a large and small aperture spectrum in the same image.
3. Registration: The normal processing procedure is automatic registration (alignment of the pseudo-slit and the spectrum). If this procedure fails due to a weak continuum, a manual registration will be employed. The observer may specify manual registration if the spectrum has weak or no continuum. The registration will be based on the strongest emission line present or the portion of the spectrum with the highest intensity. If there is very little or no detectable signal, the observer can specify "do not shift".
4. CalComp Plots: CalComp plots of the spectra are no longer generated.
5. Remarks for IPC/DMC: Special instructions for the Image Processing and Data Management Center are noted here (see discussion below).

The IUE Observatory will hold or ship your data according to your needs. The data are normally shipped to the PI of the program about a week or so after processing. If you prefer different handling of the data, please let us know.

Please note that once the data are shipped, the Observatory has no easy access to the data during the six-month proprietary data period. If you wish to analyze your data at the RDAF at a later date, you should arrange to hold the data at GSFC or be sure to bring your tapes with you for the RDAF visit.

A summary of the categories of typical special requests is given below.

RDAF Priority Processing: You may request priority processing if you plan to analyze your data at the RDAF during your observing visit. The data will be processed as soon as possible during normal processing shifts, then loaded into your RDAF account. Please submit a priority processing request form through an RDAF staff member or Resident Astronomer. Priority processing for reasons other than RDAF analysis is considered a special request and should be discussed with a Resident Astronomer.

Collaborative Program Duplicate Data Products: You may request that duplicate data products (tapes, photowrites, CalComp plots) be produced for a collaborative exposure for your European collaborator. A collaborative exposure is one that is started at VILSPA and read down at GSFC. Please submit a duplicate data products request form. Generation of duplicate data products for any other reason is considered a special request.

Alternative Tape Density: Currently Guest Observer tapes are written at 1600 bpi. There is a limited capacity to generate 6250 bpi tapes for GOs who require them. To request this tape density, please write "6250 bpi GO tape" in the Remarks section of the processing specifications for each observing script.

Change of Shipping Address: The PI may request that the data for the program be shipped to a co-investigator or other collaborator. The PI should submit an assignment of responsibility form. Note that only a request from the PI can be honored by the staff, due to the proprietary nature of the data.

Hold for RDAF Use: Your data can be held at the Observatory for a subsequent visit to the RDAF. Please notify the Data Management Center and the RDAF staff promptly of your request. A written note, including the expected date of the return visit, is needed.