Interactive data analysis for astronomy Shuttle experiments at Goddard Space Flight Center

Abstract

The eye as an efficient selection device for determining what is important in astronomical imagery can be greatly aided by the computer. A suitable facility, called the Interactive Astronomical Data Analysis Facility (IADAF), has been developed for the display and analysis of astronomical imagery by the Laboratory for Astronomy and Solar Physics. The Laboratory for Astronomy and Solar Physics currently has approval to fly two experiments on Spacelab. The Solar Extreme Ultraviolet Telescope (SEUTS) is to be used for the study of several fundamental problems of solar physics. The Ultraviolet Image Telescope for Astronomical Investigations (UIT) is to provide direct imagery of selected fields of view throughout the sky. A description is given of IADAF, taking into account its 16-bit computer and the COMTAL image processing display system. The use of IADAF by SEUTS and UIT is discussed.