Target Catalogue
Explore candidate targets marked for possible observation in the collaborative science programme.
Orbital Tool
The orbital tool calculates the periods during which a given portion of the sky can be observed by Mauve.
Overhead Calculator
Calculate observation overheads for Mauve observations using expected performance configurations.
MauveSim
An instrument simulator that models a given stellar spectrum using Mauve’s latest payload assessment.
Target Request
A target request tool used to submit requests and define observation requirements.
Data Analysis
Learn how Mauve data can be used and processed, using the recommended tools, videos and guides.
Using the Tools
Using the tool The input parameters will be pre-populated from the target list button and may be manually edited if desired. JSON information from a given run may be downloaded for later use.
For the Orbital Tool, BSSL has provided some simple scripts to help replicate and produce appropriate graphs.
Feedback and suggestions This is an initial interface for you as members to wield and provide feedback on.
If you have any issues/questions with the orbital tool – or wish to provide feedback on the tool and suggest future features please get in touch with Ben and Rachel at ben@bssl.space and rachel@bssl.space respectively.
Orbital Tool Details
The BSSL Orbital tool is designed to assess potential Mauve coverage considering solar pointing restrictions and Earth exclusion angles. The tool operates using a TLE (three line element) to propagate the Mauve orbit and identify targets within Mauve’s FOR (Field of Regard).
There are two modes of running the tool; Coverage & Availability:
Coverage shows the number of days available across the sky for whichever date range the tool is simulated across and marks the target location. This provides some initial indications of coverage across the duration, peak continuous coverage across that time and statistics for max/average daily coverage. This should help scientists assess the potential viability of phase curve science and transit science respectively.
Availability is a simple plot that shows the date range that a target would be accessible by Mauve – a useful first look for target scheduling considerations.
MauveSim – Instrument Simulator Details
The BSSL Payload Simulator tool is designed to model the signal data from a star observed by Mauve. It takes into account the spectral resolution, optical components, and detector response to simulate the observed signal.
Noise is incorporated in the tool for both astrophysical and instrumental noise sources. It allows users to select reference stars from a dropdown menu and adjust the magnitude of the stellar spectrum to simulate a target of interest. Exposure time per frame must also be specified.
This helps scientists accurately model the observed signal while considering both noise contributions and target characteristics.
Saturation limit is displayed as a solid red line on the plot to show when a simulation results in data that is close to or over the saturation limit of 55,000 counts per bin.