2016 November 15
Launch of the BAA Spectroscopy Database
The database is open for anyone to view and download spectra, while to upload spectra you will require a dedicated login. Requests for logins should be sent to the database manager (vssdbm@britastro.org) along with a sample 1D FITS file, your observing location and equipment details.
To be admitted to the database, spectra from slit spectroscopes are normally expected to be dark frame and flat field corrected, wavelength calibrated, instrument and atmospheric response corrected, and to be submitted as 1D FITS files conforming to the BeSS standard. Conformant spectra may be produced with ISIS and BASS analysis software among others: http://basebe.obspm.fr/basebe/Spec_spectres_BeSS_en.pdf
It is understood that for slitless spectrographs (diffraction gratings) it may not be possible to meet the requirement for a flat field and/or response correction but such spectra may be accepted if they have been wavelength calibrated.
Although many spectra taken by amateurs are of stellar objects, the database is designed to accept spectra of any astronomical object. Any questions on how to use the database or create 1D FITS spectra should be directed to the BAA Spectroscopy Forum: https://britastro.org/forum/143
Andrew Wilson, BAA Spectroscopy Database Manager
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