2MASS Calibration Scan Information Table: Metadata for Infrared Survey Scans

The 2MASS Calibration Scan Information Table provides basic metadata for each survey mode scan taken during the Two Micron All Sky Survey operations. Photometric calibration was performed using observations of 35 regular and 5 special calibration fields, with regular fields scanned between 562 and 3692 times. The data was produced by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and was last updated on the platform in March 2026.

Use Cases

• Modeling photometric zero point offsets as a function of time based on standard star measurements.
• Analyzing atmospheric extinction coefficients derived from long-term 2MASS observations.
• Studying observation frequency patterns for calibration fields at different declinations.
• Supporting analysis of the deep observation campaign data for the Magellanic Clouds.

Strengths

• Regular calibration fields were scanned between 562 and 3692 times, providing a substantial observational baseline.
• Includes data from 35 regular and 5 special calibration fields, offering spatial diversity.
• Calibration fields are defined with specific dimensions (1° in declination, ~8.5' in right ascension).
• Special Magellanic Cloud fields were observed 108 to 468 times during a defined period (November 2000 to February 2001).

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• Data may reflect temporal bias inherent to the specific survey operation period.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Collection Method

Observations from the Two Micron All Sky Survey (2MASS) telescope operations.

Time Range

Survey operations period, with special Magellanic Cloud observations between November 2000 and February 2001.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-03-13 19:04:30.543719; freshness should be verified.

Geography

Calibration fields distributed near declinations of approximately -30°, 0°, and +30°, plus fields in and around the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds.