Explanatory Supplement to the 2MASS First Incremental Data Release
Cutri, R.M. (IPAC/Caltech),
Skrutskie, M.F. (UMASS),
Van Dyk, S.,
Chester, T.,
Evans, T.,
Fowler, J. (IPAC/Caltech),
Gizis, J.,
Howard, E. (UMASS),
Huchra, J. (Harvard-Smithsonian CfA),
Jarrett, T.,
Kopan, E.L.,
Kirkpatrick, J.D.,
Light, R.M,
Marsh, K.A.,
McCallon, H. (IPAC/Caltech),
Schneider, S.,
Stiening, R. (UMASS),
Sykes, M. (U.Arizona),
Weinberg, M. (UMASS),
Wheaton, W.A.,
Wheelock, S. (IPAC/Caltech)
Table of Contents
I. Introduction
- 2MASS Overview
- The 2MASS Sky
- Executive Summary of 2MASS First Incremental Data Products
- Distribution Mode for 2MASS Products
- Data Release Plan
- Cautionary Notes
- Acknowledgments
- Referencing 2MASS
II. Contents of the 2MASS First Incremental Data Release
- General Properties of the Data Release
- Point Source Catalog
- Extended Source Catalog
- Atlas Images
- Extended Source Postage Stamp Images
- Ancillary Files
III. 2MASS Facilities and Operations
IV. 2MASS Data Processing
- Processing Pipeline Overview
- Instrumental Frame Correction
- Atlas Image Generation
- Point Source Detection and Photometry
- Extended Source Identification and Photometry
- Position Reconstruction
- Artifact Identification
- Photometric Calibration
- Known Asteroid and Comet Associations
- Quality Assurance
V. Catalog Generation
- Scan Selection
- Source Selection Criteria
- Scan Edges and Duplicate Source Rectification
- Bright Star and Galaxy Placeholders
VI. Analysis of Release Catalogs
Last modified 1999 Jul 9. For assistance, contact 2mass@ipac.caltech.edu