Einstein IPC: Unscreened Photon Event List from 1978-1981

From November 1978 to April 1981, the Einstein Observatory (HEAO-2) collected X-ray data using its Imaging Proportional Counter. This unscreened event list, generated by the Einstein Data Center and last updated by the HEASARC in August 2005, includes auxiliary files and covers over 4000 observed targets.

Use Cases

• Analyzing X-ray source variability based on the 0.2-3.5 keV bandpass data.
• Studying the spatial distribution of X-ray events using the provided galactic coordinates.
• Cross-referencing historical observations with modern catalogs using the event list format.

Strengths

• Data from the first fully imaging X-ray telescope in space, a significant historical instrument.
• Covers over 4000 targets observed during the Einstein Observatory's operational lifetime.
• Maintained and updated by the authoritative NASA HEASARC, with parameters renamed to current conventions.

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• Last updated 2026-03-13 18:57:57.896599; freshness should be verified.

Provenance

Source

NASA HEASARC, generated by the Einstein Data Center.

Collection Method

Collected by the Einstein Observatory (HEAO-2) in pointing mode.

Time Range

November 1978 to April 1981

Freshness

Last updated by HEASARC in August 2005; metadata updated March 2026.

Geography

Celestial observations; galactic coordinates are included.