Quote:
Originally Posted by Slawomir
I believe there is future in an extensive global repository of astronomical data, not only for pretty pictures that we all love so much, but perhaps one day someone could find ways of utilising such data for more scientific purposes for the benefit of humanity 
Maybe including tutorials on data processing and a place where data could be "donated" and thus be free to use, could potentially help to increase traffic?
As for buying data, well, robotic networks are getting more popular, where one has no opportunity to tweak the gear but simply just clicks a few buttons and a telescope on the opposite side of the world does the rest. I did not like such experience, but there are many who do use robotic networks regularly. |
Thanks for your input, S :-)
The thought of an extensive global repository for use by science as well as amateurs was actually one of the thoughts that led me to the proposed idea.
Tutorials on data processing would be an excellent resource, good thinking!
I actually had thought to store the data for free and try to find another way to to pay the bills and make it worth my while, but I've been unable to come up with a model that I think will work better. The costs involved in storing and distributing all of this data will be very high.
The increased use of robotic networks was yet another thought behind this. The point of difference here is that you could see the data before you buy it, so you know what you're getting, and you can get it now. I'd also like to think it'd be a lot cheaper, although I'm disinclined to dictate prices; I'd rather let the community decide what things are worth.
In time maybe you could get 100hrs of data on a subject of interest with a click of a button, enabling us to produce insanely deep images that we just don't have the time or equipment to get individually.
Thanks again,
Lee
Quote:
Originally Posted by sjastro
Given that professional data is available for free from organizations such as ESO, I doubt users would like to pay for the privilege.
I have access to their raw image, spectroscopy, interferometry, polarimetry and coronagraphy data mainly from their VLT and La Silla observatories.
I've processed a couple of ESO images which has been sent back to them for comments. It gives the opportunity for amateurs and professionals to compare notes.
I haven't used the facilities much as I am much more interested in processing my own data from my tiny 0.25 metre telescope as opposed to someone else's data with the 4 X 8.2 metre VLT. 
Besides it practically requires a PhD to understand and successfully navigate through the enormous database to find what you are looking for. 
Regards
Steven |
Very good points, Steven, thanks for your contribution; hard to beat the ESO and HST!
There'd be a couple of points of difference here, which users might find attractive. One is as you say, those interfaces are very difficult to deal with. I gave up trying to use the ESO archive very quickly.
The other issue is licensing. The idea for my proposed site is that people could sell their data under different licensing terms, whereas the hubble/est is only available under the Creative Commons license, I believe.
Whether or not this is enough for people to use a service such as the one I propose... I'm honestly not sure.
Thanks again everyone!