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Introduction to the SOPHIE Archive

The SOPHIE Archive gives access to all science observations obtained with the spectrograph since it started operations on 24 August 2006. Data enter the database one day after they are obtained. In its present version the database will produce, upon interrogation, a list of all existing observations for a given object or list of objects together with pointers to the extracted (e2ds) and reconnected (s1d) spectra, if public.

Each spectrum is attributed a distinct object name based on the target name chosen by the observer and the object's coordinates. Any unresolved or inexact target names are corrected prior to indexing in the database. An up-to-date cross-index between target and object names is available.

Status of the Archive on 26 February 2010 : The number of indexed spectra in the database is 37395, corresponding to 3257 distinct object names. 30755 spectra for 2270 distinct object names are now publicly available. Normal protection is for one year. Spectra with an extended 5-year protection are still released after one year but with the time information masked.

Available information

The column headings give the following information :
  • objname : Adopted designation for the object (see below)
  • coordinatesJ2000 : Corresponding equatorial coordinates (Jhhmmss.s±ddmmss)
  • S : Link to the SIMBAD database
  • E : Link to any spectra of this object listed in the ELODIE database
  • seq : Sequence number (X10), a unique identifier for a given file
  • date : Date of the observation (start of night)
  • fiber : Fiber set used (High Efficiency or High Resolution)
  • dprtype : Requested template for pipeline reduction, indicating use of fiber B and spectral type mask
  • exptime : Exposure time in seconds
  • sn26 : Signal-to-Noise ratio at center of order 26 (V-band)
  • view_spec : Display s1d spectrum, if released
  • view_head : Display FITS headers, if released
  • get_spec : Download s1d reconnected spectrum, if released
  • get_e2ds : Download e2ds extracted spectra (39 orders), if released
  • customize : Access to a page where customization of the available data is possible (not yet working)

Spectra are shown in order of increasing right ascension. At the present time, a simple way to list them by observing date is to replace in the URL the string "&ob=ra&" by "&ob=date&". We will change this soon. See the instrument web page for more information and specially the data products page for a complete description of all files.

Pipeline processing

We plan to reprocess the entire database when the new DRS software package will be released. This will take some time and will be announced when finished. The new package should considerably improve the 's1d' reconnected spectra, in particular regarding the residual echelle ripple.

Flux calibration

At the present time all spectra in the archive have a provisonal instrumental flux scale which is relative to the tungsten lamp. Currently the result is not entirely satisfactory.

Object designations

There are currently more than 2900 distinct object designations in the database. We have adopted designations chosen from the HD, BD, SAO, and HIP catalogs, in order of decreasing priority. If the object is too faint to appear in any of these catalogs, another designation is chosen, principally from the TYC, GJ, USNO, GSC or other major catalogs. In the future it is planned to allow querying the database using any officially recognized designation. Special care has been taken to correct any erroneous or incomplete designations introduced through the observing catalog. Any remaining errors should be reported to the database team.

For those interested, we present a few highlights of the Archive which characterize the present sample of spectra.

Asteroseismology mode

A small number of objects have been observed in "asteroseismology mode" where short consecutive exposures are made during most of the night. At present these stars (e.g. Procyon) are not handled in any special way and large numbers of spectra will appear in response to a query involving them. In a future release we will flag such objects accordingly.

OHP data distribution policy

Access to SOPHIE observations is restricted to the original PI for a one-year period. However, some large key programs are granted an extended (5-year) protection. Spectra benefiting from this extension will still be released after a year, but in a modified form where the exact time of observation is truncated. The data will be available with all time information unmasked after the 5-year period.

Future development

Further steps planned include availability of radial velocities, if released or existing, and links to calibration files (flats, blaze and wave) needed to process the e2ds spectra if the user so desires. There is a list of things to do to improve the archive.

updated on: 26.02.2010