Follow-up and pipeline: definitions

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the definitions and implications of the terms "follow-up" and "pipeline" in the context of astronomy, particularly regarding observations and data reduction processes. Participants explore the distinctions between follow-up observations and standard surveys, as well as the nature of data pipelines and their role in data processing.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification, Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that "follow-up" refers to observations made after initial detections, often requiring more sensitive instruments.
  • Others clarify that follow-up observations are typically associated with multi-wavelength catalogues.
  • Participants discuss that "pipeline" generally denotes an automated series of data-reduction processes specific to certain instruments.
  • There is mention of "post-processing" as a more complex stage that requires greater researcher involvement.
  • One participant requests examples of data reduction processes and inquires about the nature of FITS files as reduced files.
  • A later reply suggests that FITS files can be utilized at various stages of data processing.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the definitions of "follow-up" and "pipeline," but the discussion includes requests for clarification and examples, indicating some uncertainty about practical applications.

Contextual Notes

Participants express a need for examples and further clarification on data reduction processes, indicating that the discussion may lack specific procedural details and practical applications.

RHK
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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.
 
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RHK said:
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)

RHK said:
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.
 
Thank you. Some other questions:

zhermes said:
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?

zhermes said:
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?
 
RHK said:
So, every follow up survey naturally brings to multi-wavelengths catalogues, right?
That's generally the way it goes.

RHK said:
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.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Thank you very much!
 

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