OLD Research Tools

How do I download data from the Spitzer Telescope?

Spitzer has developed it's own suit of software for downloading and viewing data. Click on "download data" for more information. Don't forget to try the "Questions to think about and things to try with Spot/Leopard" at the bottom of that linked page.

What is a mosaic and why should I care?

Typically objects or regions in space we want to look at are too large for the telescope to capture in a single image or frame, so the telescope has to take many frames which are later combine using software into a single image or what is commonly called a mosaic. Click "mosaic" above for more details.

How can I get data from other wavelengths to compare with infrared data from Spitzer?

This link describes getting images and catalogs from other wavelengths. Don't forget the "Questions to think about and things to try" at the bottom of that page.

How can I make a color composite image using Spitzer and/or other data?

Have you ever wondered how scientists create those beautiful images of objects in space? After all when you look at deep space objects through an optical telescope they appear pretty much grey. Well, here's your chance to explore a bit of astronomy art. Not only can you make "pretty pictures" but these composite images can reveal important scientific data. Click on this link and explore how to make 3-color (or more!) composite images with publicly-available tools. Start doing science with the images you create by trying the "Questions to think about and things to try" at the bottom of the linked page.

Basic Literature Searching

Searching the literature is an essential part of doing research!

Understanding Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons

Many astronomers use the Spitzer Space Telescope to detect or study "polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons," or "PAHs" for short. What are these things? In short, rings of carbon, like the grunge on your grill. But what else are they, and why are they important?

I'm ready to move on to more "advanced" research tools.

Click here after you've worked through the "basic" research tools section, and would like to move on to some more advanced applications.