Einstein MPC: X-ray Flux Data from the HEAO-2 Observatory, 1978-1981

Monitor Proportional Counter (MPC) data from the Einstein Observatory (HEAO-2) operational from 1978 to 1981. The instrument monitored 1 to 20 keV X-ray flux with a 1.5-degree field of view and an active area of 667 square cm. This catalog is provided by NASA HEASARC, with one duplicate entry removed in June 2019.

Use Cases

• Analyze X-ray flux variability of celestial sources based on the 1 to 20 keV energy range monitoring.
• Study the temporal coverage of specific astronomical events based on the data period from 1978 November 19 to 1981 April 17.
• Correlate observations with other focal plane instruments based on the MPC's role as a simultaneous monitor.
• Investigate instrument performance and data gaps based on the noted intermittent operation period from 1980 Aug 27 to 1980 Dec 08.

Strengths

• Data covers a defined operational period from 1978 November 19 until 1981 April 17.
• Instrument specifications are documented, including a 1.5-degree diameter field of view and a 667 square cm active area.
• References to detailed technical descriptions by Gaillardetz et al. (1979) and Grindlay et al. (1980) are provided.

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• Data freshness should be verified; the last metadata update is dated 2026-03-13.

Provenance

Source

NASA HEASARC

Collection Method

Collected by the Monitor Proportional Counter (MPC) instrument on the Einstein Observatory (HEAO-2).

Time Range

1978 November 19 to 1981 April 17, with a gap from 1980 Aug 27 to 1980 Dec 08.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-03-13 18:31:24.745895; freshness should be verified

Geography

Space-based observations; spatial coverage is celestial.