The ASCA data is archived in a target-oriented (strictly speaking, observation-oriented) structure, i.e., all the data produced from an observation is put into a directory — although some exceptions exist for observations in very early epoch. Each dataset includes telemetry data, data products (event files, images, energy spectra, light curves, etc.), and calibration data. ISAS provided the telemetry and calibration data, and ASCA data processing center in ADF (Astrophysics Data Facility) at NASA/GSFC reproduced the data products.

Data Analysis

General information for ASCA data analysis is described in the ASCA Data Analysis page at NASA/GSFC.

Also, the Suzaku Data Analysis Page is available at DARTS, which was originally maintained by the Suzaku project at ISAS.

Manuals

A step-by-step guide of FTOOLS-based analysis is given in ASCA Data Reduction Guide (the ABC guide) at NASA/GSFC.

In addition, we also provide an ASCA analysis guide written in Japanese (pdf version).

If you want to apply Residual Dark Distribution (RDD) correction on your data, please consult Recipe for RDD Correction page at NASA/GSFC.

Analysis Tools

The standard tools for ASCA data analysis are included with HEAsoft released by HEASARC at NASA/GSFC. The list of ASCA FTOOLS is summarized by HEASARC.

In addition to analysis tools, the ASCA Calibration Files in the Calibration Database (CALDB) are required.

• Calibration Files Mirror at DARTS
• Calibrartion Files at NASA/GSFC

Note that ASCA revision 2 archive includes calibration files that were used in making the archive, however, it is better to use the latest calibration information.

Instructions for installing the CALDB are available from the CALDB Installation page at NASA/GSFC.