About the Atmospheric Spectroscopy Table

A Better Way to Work with Spectra

The Atmospheric Spectroscopy Table replaced the archive's Emission and Transmission Spectroscopy tables that were retired in summer 2023. All data in the retired tables were transferred to the new table, and newly ingested spectra will only be loaded into the new table.

In addition to providing a unified interface to browse, visualize, plot, and download all of the eclipse and transmission spectra in the NASA Exoplanet Archive, the Atmospheric Spectroscopy Table provides the following features:

1. Data points are now grouped into spectra files. This presents the data in a format that is similar to how publications present them, and will limit users from unknowingly mixing data sets.
2. Automatic unit conversion for transmission and direct imaging files. The conversions from different units ensures that all of the spectra can be more easily compared. Information about how the archive calculates transmission and direct imaging parameters is described on the Spectroscopy Calculations page.
3. Plotting spectral data points plots. The selected spectra will have their data points displayed in the bottom pane, making it easier for users to visualize and compare the data.
4. Added support for spectra of directly imaged planets. These data are indicated in the Type of Spectrum column as Direct Imaging. Emission spectrum have been re-named Eclipse.

The table is built on a framework called Firefly, which provides an interactive web user interface for accessing, viewing, and working with astronomy data. More information about Firefly features is provided in the Firefly user guide.

Feedback is welcome on the table's features, performance, and data. Please provide any questions, suggestions, or feedback through the Exoplanet Archive Helpdesk.

Updates to this service are also noted on the Archive Release Notes page.

Data Requirements

Eclipse (previously called emission), transmission, and direct imaging spectra must meet the following requirements to be included in the table:

1. Appear in a paper accepted for publication in the peer-reviewed astrophysical literature,
2. Include the instrument, facility, and planet,
3. Have a wavelength,
4. Have one of three accepted transmission columns (transit depth, Rp/R*, or planet radius), or, include an eclipse depth for eclipse spectra, or, have either flux density per unit wavelength or per unit frequency for a directly imaged spectrum.

Note: An observation date is not required, but will be included when provided.

If a publication provides data for multiple reductions or pipelines, they are all ingested as separate spectra, and the specific reduction will be indicated in the Notes section for each spectrum.

Accessing the Table

To access the Atmospheric Spectroscopy Table, select it from the Exoplanet Archive's Data drop-down menu or click the button in the Work With Data section of the archive's home page.

Getting Oriented with the Table Interface Next »

Last updated: 13 August 2024