Einstein IPC Images: X-Ray Observations from the HEAO 2 Satellite

NASA HEASARC provides data from the Imaging Proportional Counter aboard the Einstein Observatory (HEAO 2). The satellite was launched on November 13, 1978, and operated until April 1981, capturing high-resolution X-ray imagery. This database contains information from one of the four focal plane instruments on the observatory.

Use Cases

• Analyze X-ray source morphology based on imaging proportional counter data.
• Study temporal variability of celestial X-ray emissions from the 1978-1981 observation period.
• Cross-reference observations with data from the satellite's other instruments (HRI, SSS, FPCS).

Strengths

• Data originates from a NASA flagship observatory (HEAO 2/Einstein).
• Covers a defined operational period from November 1978 to April 1981.
• Provided by the authoritative NASA HEASARC data service.

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• Data format (BIN) may require specialized tools for access and interpretation.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Collection Method

Collected by the Imaging Proportional Counter instrument aboard the HEAO 2 (Einstein Observatory) satellite.

Time Range

November 1978 to April 1981

Freshness

Last updated 2026-03-13 19:06:53.203045; freshness should be verified.

Geography

Space-based observations; celestial coverage.