BeppoSAX WFC Observation Log: Pointing Positions for X-Ray Astronomy

A regularly updated log of observations from the BeppoSAX satellite's Wide Field Cameras (WFCs), provided by the SAX-Science Data Center in Rome. The database contains pointing positions for the WFCs, which have a 40x40 degree field of view and are positioned 180 degrees apart. This is a service provided by NASA HEASARC.

Use Cases

• Analyze observation timelines for specific celestial targets based on the log of AO cycles and SVP.
• Correlate X-ray source detections with satellite pointing positions mentioned in the description.
• Plan follow-up observations by referencing the field of view and instrument orientation details.

Strengths

• Regularly updated to include the most recent timeline.
• Coordinates provided are the satellite's pointing positions.
• Service provided by the authoritative NASA HEASARC.

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 AO cycles and SVP.

Provenance

Source

NASA HEASARC, SAX-Science Data Center in Rome

Collection Method

Observations from the BeppoSAX satellite's Wide Field Cameras.

Time Range

Covers AO cycles and the Science Verification Phase (SVP).

Freshness

Last updated 2026-03-13 20:14:26.166253; freshness should be verified.

Geography

Celestial coordinates (space-based observations).