Follow-up and pipeline: definitions

[RHK]

Hi
I am looking for the actual meaning of some technical/procedure words in astronomy, like:
1) Follow-up
2) Pipeline

As far I know, the follow up is the observation of an object or a field for a given amount of time, isn't it? Then, if it is, what's the difference with "standard" surveys?

On the other hand, the pipeline is "just" a term to indicate the data reduction, like what?

Any suggestion is really appreciated.
Thank you in advance.

 

[zhermes]

1) Follow-up

Follow-up refers to 'follow-up' observations. This term is often used in the context of surveys where objects are initially detected, then require 'follow-up' by a more sensitive instrument or different type of instrument (usually a spectrometer)

2) Pipeline

As you say, 'pipeline' generally refers to the process of data-reduction. More specifically it usually refers to a well established, largely (or entirely) automated series of data-reduction processes associated with a particular instrument or type of data. This 'pipeline' is generally applied to virtually every element of data obtained through the given instrument. The 'pipeline' generally contains all of the basic operations that aren't especially interested to researchers. Sometimes the following stages of processing are referred to as 'post-processing' and are usually more complicated, and more situation specific --- thus requiring more involvement of the researcher.

 

[RHK]

Thank you. Some other questions:

Follow-up refers to 'follow-up' observations. This term is often used in the context of surveys where objects are initially detected, then require 'follow-up' by a more sensitive instrument or different type of instrument (usually a spectrometer)

So, every follow up survey naturally brings to multi-wavelengths catalogues, right?

As you say, 'pipeline' generally refers to the process of data-reduction. More specifically it usually refers to a well established, largely (or entirely) automated series of data-reduction processes associated with a particular instrument or type of data. This 'pipeline' is generally applied to virtually every element of data obtained through the given instrument. The 'pipeline' generally contains all of the basic operations that aren't especially interested to researchers. Sometimes the following stages of processing are referred to as 'post-processing' and are usually more complicated, and more situation specific --- thus requiring more involvement of the researcher.

Is it possible for you to give a "simple" example of data reduction (with programs, procedures, etc.)? FITS files are reduced files?

 

[zhermes]

So, every follow up survey naturally brings to multi-wavelengths catalogues, right?

That's generally the way it goes.

Is it possible for you to give a "simple" example of data reduction (with programs, procedures, etc.)? FITS files are reduced files?

The top section of this webpage might be informative: http://www.mpifr-bonn.mpg.de/div/ir-interferometry/lndrs/index.html

FITS files can (and often are) used at all stages.

 

[RHK]

Thank you very much!