Mauve data can be analysed with a variety of packages; however, BSSL suggest using Xspec as it is specifically designed to handle very low resolution data. We have provided a tutorial video and links to help Mauve members install and utilise the software.
If members have other suggestions for data analysis tools, we would be happy to work with them to provide additional resources to support data exploration.
Why Xspec:
- The resolution of Mauve spectra (R~20-65) is comparable to the resolution of spectra obtained with X-ray telescopes, which operate at very low resolution (R~1-20).
- To address the data analysis and be able to perform science in this regime, the community has been using specialised software, e.g. Xspec.
How Xspec works:
- Takes in the instrument line function and, telescope effective area.
- Xspec convolves the chosen stellar model with the detector response.
- Xspec compares the model to the data.
- If necessary, the model parameters can be adjusted by the user until the best fit is reached.
- Users can compute the flux (in physical units) from the best-fit model spectrum, not on the observed data.
Tutorial
In this video, we present Xspec, a software component of the Xanadu package developed by NASA for analysing X-ray astronomical data. We explain how to utilise the Spectral Data Analysis software Xspec to analyse Mauve observations, emphasising the importance of having the correct files in the designated directory, including observation fits files and calibration files. We guide you through the necessary steps to start using Xspec from the command line. Please ensure you have all the required files ready before proceeding with the analysis. Let’s dive into the details and get started!
Observation FITS file, Background FITS file, Effective Area (ARF) file, Instrument Line Function (RMF) file and the Stellar models parameterised in temperature (K).
Xspec: An X-Ray Spectral Fitting Package
Helpful information available includes:
- Download and installation instructions
- Adding your own models to XSPEC
- XSPEC user manual [in PDF]
- XSPEC release notes
- Getting help with XSPEC
- Local models to load into XSPEC, including many from the community
- XSPEC internal functions guide [in PDF]
- XSPEC Facebook group
- External guides, tutorials, and examples from the community
- Historical XSPEC information
- Python version of XSPEC
- Commands quick reference
- Full Commands