Swift DeepSky

Docker Hub Repository | Swift Satellite

The Swift DeepSky pipeline provides automated deep observations of the X-ray sky from the Swift satellite, processing data based on user-defined sky positions (Right Ascension and Declination).

Docker Setup and Usage

Prerequisites

To use Swift DeepSky, ensure Docker is installed on your system:

• Install Docker

Quick Start with Docker

Step 1: Launch CalDB Container

Swift DeepSky depends on calibration data provided by the CalDB container:

docker run --name caldb chbrandt/heasoft_caldb:swift

Step 2: Run Swift DeepSky Container

Run the Swift DeepSky pipeline, binding the CalDB container and mounting a local directory ($HOME/sds_output) to store outputs:

docker run --rm -it --volumes-from caldb -v $HOME/sds_output:/work chbrandt/swift_deepsky --ra 34.2608 --dec 1.2455

Replace $HOME/sds_output with your desired output directory.

Tip: Create an alias for simplicity:

alias swift_deepsky='docker run --rm -it --volumes-from caldb -v $HOME/sds_output:/work chbrandt/swift_deepsky'

Docker Configuration Details

• --volumes-from caldb: Mounts calibration data from CalDB.
• -v $HOME/sds_output:/work: Maps a local directory to store outputs.

Example Usage

Process Swift-XRT images within a 15-arcmin radius:

swift_deepsky --ra 22 --dec 33 --radius 15

Process observations for a specific object and time period:

swift_deepsky --object 3c279 --start 2018-01-01 --end 2018-02-28

Using a Local Master Table

To avoid network traffic, use a local master table (--master_table). Place your table (e.g., my_swift_master_table.csv) in a dedicated directory:

docker run --rm -it --volumes-from caldb -v $PWD/sds_runs:/work chbrandt/swift_deepsky --master_table /work/my_swift_master_table.csv --ra 22 --dec 33

Command-Line Reference

A complete help message with options is displayed using:

swift_deepsky --help

Manual Installation (Advanced Users Only)

Dependencies

• HEASoft (v6.21)
• Python (Pandas, Astropy)
• Perl
• Bash

Detailed instructions can be found here.

About Swift DeepSky

Swift DeepSky automates the combination and analysis of Swift satellite X-ray data, allowing deep-sky observations from user-defined sky coordinates (Right Ascension, Declination). Data is automatically retrieved as needed unless provided by the user.

Additional Resources

• Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory

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