FIFI-LS observation planning and data reduction

Abstract

We describe observational operations and data reduction for the science instrument FIFI-LS (Field Imaging Far Infrared Line Spectrometer) onboard SOFIA (Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy). First, the observation strategy is explained, which plans all the various observing modes and parameters based on the targets and the limitations of the observatory and instrument. Next, the observations must be created in a format readable by instrument control software, via a system of algorithms. Once the observations have been planned and prepared, they must be scheduled, executed and analysed, and this process is outlined. The data reduction system which processes the results from these observations, beginning from retrieving raw data, to obtaining a FITS file data cube readable by analysis programs, is described in detail.

FIFI-LS: The Field-Imaging Far-Infrared Line Spectrometer on SOFIA

“…This sequence of scan descriptions is, in turn, stored in a sched-ule¯le, which is completed sequentially by the instrument software. More details on the generation of the scan descriptions can be found in Bryant et al (2014).…”