Data Release One (DR1)
The first data release in Spring of 2014 (DR1) consists of data from specific fields taken by the PTF collaboration between 2009 and the end of 2012. The specific fields are:
- M 81 (NGC 3031, a nearby spiral galaxy. Also includes M 82. Approximately 1170 epochs, 7 deg2)
- M 44 (the Beehive Cluster. 195 epochs, 29 deg2)
- M 42 (an extremely high cadence field in Orion. 5000 epochs, 15 deg2)
- The Kepler Survey Field (48 epochs, 167 deg2)
- SDSS Stripe 82 (8–250 epochs, 225 deg2)
- Cassiopeia A (4-8 epochs)
and were chosen to provide a scientifically useful subset of the survey data, highlighting its high-cadence, multi-epoch nature. Because the release is only a subset of the data, users should read the linked subsections above. In particular, they contain hints about the best way to search for the data. The released data (in FITS format) are:
Epochal (single exposure) Images - one image per CCD exposure, astrometrically and photometrically calibrated. Each exposure also has an accompanying mask file, whose bits encode information about specific pixels.
Photometric Catalogs - each individual exposure image is accompanied by a catalog file containing all detected objects in that exposure, with photometrically calibrated aperture photometry. The individual catalog files are in binary FITS format (with a ".ctlg" file suffix).
Public data releases currently constitute an unfunded effort and are being made at a best-effort level as resources permit. Future releases will expand coverage to the entire northern sky, and will include access to the deep coadds (reference images), their associated catalogs, and will include a searchable photometric catalog database. The majority of the released data is at R-band, with a smaller subset at g-band. Not all regions will have both filters available.
